Mauritian Vegetable Fritters
Gajak de Légumes
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Mauritian vegetable fritters, known as 'gajak', are a popular street food and snack. They are made with a mix of finely chopped or grated vegetables bound together with chickpea flour and spices, then deep-fried to golden perfection.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Chickpea flour (besan)
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Mixed vegetables(finely chopped or grated (e.g., carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, green beans, corn))
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1 small Green chilies(finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste))
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 0.5 tsp Garam masala
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Spring onions(chopped (white and green parts))
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- Water(as needed to form batter)
- Oil(for deep frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Wash and finely chop or grate all the vegetables. Ensure they are well-drained of excess moisture.
💡 Tip: Using a food processor with a grating or chopping attachment can speed up this process. - 2
Make the batter: In a large bowl, combine chickpea flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, turmeric, cumin seeds, and garam masala. Mix well.
💡 Tip: Using both flours gives a good balance of crispiness and structure. - 3
Add wet ingredients and vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green chilies (if using), minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped coriander, and spring onions to the dry ingredients. Gradually add water, mixing to form a thick batter that coats the back of a spoon. The batter should not be too runny.
💡 Tip: Start with less water and add more as needed to achieve the right consistency. - 4
Heat the oil: Heat sufficient oil for deep frying in a kadai or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a drop of batter sizzles and floats to the surface.
💡 Tip: Maintain a consistent oil temperature for even cooking and to prevent fritters from becoming greasy. - 5
Fry the fritters: Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches until the fritters are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
⏱️ 3-4 minutes per batch - 6
Drain and serve: Remove the fried fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite chutney (like mint-coriander or tamarind) or a simple tomato ketchup.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add other vegetables like grated zucchini, sweet potato, or even small pieces of cauliflower.
- ✓For a vegetarian option, ensure no egg is used (as some recipes might include it).
- ✓The fritters can be made ahead of time and reheated in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for extra flavor and digestive benefits.
- Include finely chopped spinach or other leafy greens for added nutrition.
- Serve with a spicy tomato chutney or a cooling yogurt-based dip.