Having a deep fryer in The Smokey Shack has it’s advantages. We went for the Tefal Oleoclean Pro which has been great. It has a self drain function which filters the oil into a tank in the base of the fryer. This allows you to easily clean everything. Think crispy chicken wings, fries, pakoras and of course onion or vegetable bhajis. Delicious! Saying that you don’t need a deep fat fryer and these bhajis work just as well shallow fried in a pan on the hob.

India has played an influence on various rubs and sauces in our range. You can grab them all together in our Curry Night Rub and Sauce Box.

Gram flour aka besan or chickpea flour, is a great ingredient to have in your cupboards. Great for chicken or vegetable pakoras and of course bhajis. There is no hard and fast rule what to put in your bhajis so have fun with it. You can simply keep to the traditional onion but adding other ingredients and veggies take them to the next level. Below is what we used, but feel free to change it up!

• 1 large onion sliced
• 1 courgette grated
• 1 carrot grated
• bunch chopped coriander
• red chilli (as little or as mush as you like)
• 2 tbsp Chennai Masala BBQ Rub
• Pinch of salt
• 200g besan
• 150ml water

Method;

• Start by mixing the besan with the water to create a thick batter. You don’t want it to be too runny.
• Add the carrot, onion, courgette, coriander, chilli and Chennai Masala BBQ Rub into the bowl with the batter. The seasoning will draw some of the moisture out of the veggies, so if it looks a little wet, sprinkle over a little more besan.
• It’s that simple. Now all you have to do is spoon the mixture into hot oil. A tablespoon is the perfect size for a decent size bhaji. Fry the bhajis for about 5 minutes or until golden crown and crispy. Drain on a little kitchen towel. Enjoy them with a cold beer or as part of a Indian feast.

Play around with the ingredients by using different vegetables. Our Tandoori Masala BBQ Rub and Spiced Mango & Lime Rub both work brilliantly as an alternative seasoning. Why not throw in a mixture of all three! Once you try these you’ll be hooked.