Today, we’re sharing a mouthwatering recipe for Baja with you, a beloved Mauritian deep-fried street food. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with delightful flavours, Baja is sure to transport you to the bustling streets of Mauritius.
INGREDIENTS
8
RECIPE STEPS
9
TOTAL TIME
30 m
Why You Need This Recipe
- Authentic Mauritian Delight: By following this recipe, you can recreate the authentic flavours of Mauritian street food right in your own kitchen. Experience the cultural richness and culinary heritage of Mauritius with each bite of these delectable Baja fritters.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe allows you to whip up a batch of Baja in no time. Perfect for impromptu gatherings or when you’re craving a flavourful snack, this recipe saves you both time and effort.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Baja is a versatile dish that appeals to a wide range of palates. Whether you’re serving it as an appetiser, a side dish, or even as a party snack, Baja is guaranteed to impress your family and friends with its crispy exterior and irresistible taste.
About Baja (Mauritian Chickpea Flour & Spring Onion Fritters)
Baja, a popular Mauritian snack, is a delectable deep-fried fritter that will leave you craving for more.
Made from a combination of besann flour, plain flour and aromatic spring onions, Baja boasts a unique texture and an irresistible taste. Its golden brown exterior gives way to a tender and flavourful core, making it a perfect snack to enjoy at any time of the day.
Star Ingredient
Chickpea Flour (Besann)
Besann is a type of flour that is made with chickpeas. In particular, it is made from Bengal gram and is also known as gram flour, garbanzo flour or chickpea flour.
Besann is an excellent source of protein, fibre and is naturally gluten-free making it suitable for people with gluten intolerance. Additionally, besann has a low glycaemic index which leaves you feeling fuller for longer and is excellent for people with diabetes.
READ MORE: Why chickpea flour is the ultimate gluten-free flour →
Other Ingredients
- Plain Flour
- Spring Onion, finely chopped
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Water
- Egg (optional)
- Salt
- Rice Bran Oil, for frying
Scroll to the bottom to find the full list of ingredients and detailed recipe.
Prepping Tips
- Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation.
- Sift the besann flour and plain flour together to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
- Be sure to chop the spring onions finely to distribute their flavour evenly throughout the Baja.
Complete Recipe Steps
Here’s a summary of the steps you need to follow to make Baja.
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the besann flour, plain flour, sodium bicarbonate, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
2
Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, mixing continuously until you obtain a thick paste-like consistency.
Scroll to the bottom for the printable recipe card
3
If using, add the lightly beaten egg and chopped spring onion to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
5
6
7
8
9
How to Serve Baja
Baja fritters are best enjoyed hot and crispy. Serve them as an appetiser with a tangy tamarind chutney or mint-coriander chutney for dipping.
For a complete Mauritian experience, pair Baja with a refreshing glass of Alouda Glase, a traditional Mauritian milk-based beverage. Alternatively, you can also serve Baja as a side dish alongside a main course or as a scrumptious snack at parties and gatherings.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Baja without eggs?
Yes, the eggs in this recipe are optional. You can omit them if you prefer an egg-free version of Baja. The fritters will still turn out deliciously crispy and flavourful.
How can I make the Baja fritters less oily?
To reduce the oiliness, make sure the oil is heated to the correct temperature before frying. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will absorb more oil.
Additionally, placing the fried fritters on a wire rack after cooking allows excess oil to drain, resulting in a lighter and less greasy final product.
Printable Recipe Card
Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe unlocks the secrets behind the perfect Baja fritters. So gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready to savour the irresistible flavours of this beloved Mauritian delight.
Baja (Mauritian Chickpea Flour & Spring Onion Fritters)
Equipment
- Slotted spoon
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpea flour (also known as Besann)
- 1 cup plain flour (also known as All-Purpose Flour)
- ½ tbsp sodium bicarbonate
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 egg optional
- 2 sprigs spring onion finely chopped
- rice bran oil or other neutral-flavoured oil, for frying
Complete Recipe Steps
- In a mixing bowl, combine the besann flour, plain flour, sodium bicarbonate, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.2 cups chickpea flour, 1 cup plain flour, ½ tbsp sodium bicarbonate, 1 tsp salt
- Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, mixing continuously until you obtain a thick paste-like consistency.1 cup water
- If using, add the lightly beaten egg and chopped spring onion to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.1 egg, 2 sprigs spring onion
- In a deep pot, heat rice bran oil for frying over medium heat. Ensure that the pot is deep enough to allow the fritters to fully submerge in the oil.rice bran oil
- Once the oil is hot, drop 1 tablespoon of the Baja mixture at a time into the oil. Fry the fritters in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry the fritters until they turn golden brown, flipping them occasionally for even cooking. This process usually takes around 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried Baja from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. This helps drain excess oil, resulting in a crispier texture.
- Repeat steps 5-7 until all the batter is used, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain a consistent frying temperature.
- Once the Baja fritters have cooled slightly, serve them hot and crispy with your favourite chutney or sauce.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier version of Baja, you can add finely chopped green chilies or red chilli powder to the batter.
- The consistency of the batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it appears too thick, gradually add a little more water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- For a healthier alternative, you can also shallow fry the Baja in a non-stick pan with a minimal amount of oil.
- Leftover Baja can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
