Palak Bhajiya Recipe – Crispy & Tasty Spinach Fritters

Introduction

Palak Bhajiya is a popular Indian tea-time snack made with fresh spinach leaves coated in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried until crispy and golden. These crunchy fritters are especially loved during monsoon and winter seasons when hot snacks with chai feel extra comforting. Light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, Palak Bhajiya is a perfect appetizer or evening snack for family gatherings, festivals, or casual cravings.

In this detailed recipe, you’ll learn how to make perfectly crispy and tasty Palak Bhajiya at home with simple ingredients and helpful tips.

What is Palak Bhajiya?

Palak Bhajiya (also called Spinach Pakora) is a traditional Indian fritter made using spinach leaves dipped in a seasoned besan (gram flour) batter. The batter is flavored with spices like red chili powder, ajwain, turmeric, and garam masala, giving the fritters a delicious savory taste.

These fritters are deep-fried until crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside. They are commonly served with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed and chopped)
1 cup gram flour (besan)
2 tablespoons rice flour (for extra crispiness)
1 small onion (thinly sliced, optional)
1–2 green chilies (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon ginger (grated)

Spices:

½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
Salt to taste

Other:

Water as needed (to make batter)
Oil for deep frying

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Wash spinach leaves thoroughly to remove dirt. Pat them dry using a kitchen towel. Chop them roughly or leave small leaves whole for a rustic texture.

Make sure there is no excess water, as it can thin the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, add gram flour and rice flour. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, ajwain, and salt.

Mix everything well.

Now add chopped spinach, sliced onion (if using), green chilies, and grated ginger.

Gradually add water while mixing to form a thick batter. The batter should coat the spinach properly but should not be too runny.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium flame. To check if oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it rises immediately, the oil is ready.

Do not overheat the oil, as it may burn the bhajiyas from outside while keeping them raw inside.

Step 4: Fry the Bhajiyas

Drop small portions of batter carefully into the hot oil using your fingers or a spoon.

Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches.

Fry on medium heat until golden brown and crispy. Turn occasionally for even frying.

Remove and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Tips for Extra Crispy Palak Bhajiya

Add rice flour for extra crunch.
Keep the batter thick for crispy texture.
Fry on medium heat for even cooking.
Add a pinch of baking soda for softer inside (optional).
Serve immediately for best crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Palak Bhajiya tastes best when served hot with:

Mint coriander chutney
Tamarind chutney
Tomato ketchup
Masala chai

It is perfect for:

Evening snacks
Rainy day cravings
Party appetizers
Festival celebrations

Variations

Add grated potato for extra texture.
Use whole spinach leaves dipped in batter for larger fritters.
Add crushed peanuts for crunch.
Sprinkle chaat masala before serving for tangy flavor.

Storage Tips

Best served fresh and hot.
Do not store for long, as they may lose crispiness.
If needed, reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crunch.
Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 220–250 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 12 g

(Values may vary depending on oil absorption.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and quick to prepare
Crispy and flavorful
Budget-friendly ingredients
Perfect tea-time snack
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Palak Bhajiya is one of those simple recipes that never fail to impress. With crispy edges, soft centers, and aromatic spices, these spinach fritters make the perfect comfort snack for any occasion.

Once you try this recipe, it will surely become your go-to snack for rainy evenings and family gatherings.

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