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Corn Chili Bite Bhajias bring together sweetcorn, herbs, and spice in a crisp bite. Great for snacks or sharing. Try them warm and see how quickly they go.
Corn Chilli Bite Bhajias are crispy, flavourful fritters made with sweetcorn and spices. A quick snack or appetizer that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Crispy corn fritters with herbs and spices
Why you will love and enjoy this Corn Chili Bite Bhajias
- Crispy edges with soft, flavourful centres
- Easy batter, no fancy prep needed
- Great way to use fresh or canned corn
Corn Chili Bite Bhajias
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 – 24 depending on size 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Easy Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
These corn chili bite bhajias are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle with little bursts of sweetcorn. They’re quick to mix up and will disappear faster than you’d expect.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of sweetcorn, kernels removed
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup lettuce, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 2 tsp hot paprika
- 1 box chili bite mix
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Cold water as needed
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the kernels from 4 ears of sweet corn for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
- Drain well and let cool completely.
- If you’re using canned corn, make sure it’s fully drained and patted dry so the batter doesn’t get watery.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sweetcorn, 2 tbsp chopped mint, 1/2 cup chopped lettuce, and 1/2 cup chopped onion. Give it a quick mix.
- Add 1 tsp fennel seeds, 2 tsp hot paprika, the full box chili bite mix, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and salt to taste.
- Slowly add cold water, a little at a time, mixing as you go until you get a thick drop batter.
- It should hold its shape when scooped, not be runny. If it feels too thin, let it sit for a few minutes or add a spoonful of chili bite mix.
- Heat the oil in a deep pan. You’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of batter rises to the surface and sizzles.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden and cooked through.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still warm if needed.
- Serve hot with extra lemon wedges or your favourite dipping sauce.
Notes
Created, prepared, tried, and tested by Melanie
Additional Information
- Can this be frozen? Yes. Let the bhajias cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350⁰F (180⁰C) for the best texture.
Substitutes:
- Lettuce: skip or replace with finely chopped spinach
- Mint: Coriander works just as well
- Fennel seeds: optional, or swap with cumin seeds
Bhajias are quick to mix and even quicker to disappear. The texture is what keeps you coming back. Give them a go and tweak the spice your way.
Corn Chili Bite Bhajias offer a crisp exterior and a soft, flavourful centre, making each bite satisfying. The combination of sweetcorn, spice, and fresh herbs creates a snack that feels both simple and well put together, making it easy to reach for this recipe again when something warm and homemade is needed.
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Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
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This looks yum. What’s in the chili bite mix? We don’t have it in NZ but could possibly recreate if knew the ingress. Thanks 🙏🏾
Ali, I know this is a SA Product, and as I am not in SA either, I am in Canada, I will try to ask Melanie if she will be able to provide me some more information and then I will pass it over to you.
BTW. Thanks for following. I checked out your blog, and am following you as well.
So glad you may participate.
I just found the following on the internet re the Chilli bite mix:
FOR THE CHILLI BITE MIX
1 cup gram flour
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons masala
1 teaspoon cumin, lightly crushed
2 teaspoons salt
but also asked Melanie to help and once I hear back from her, I will update you.
Fabulous!! Thank you xxx
Let me know if its working for you, but once I hear back from Melanie, I will let you know as well
I will !
😊
Ali , response received from Mel:
Apologies for late reply. I had guests and was not on line. This is the recipe without the pre-mix, from scratch. Please post your result. Warm regards. CHILI BITES
Ingredients
1 cup gram flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon chillie powder
1 teaspoon cumin (jeera) powder
1 teaspoon whole cumin (jeera) seeds
1 finely sliced small onion
1 sliced green chillies – or more
Salt to taste
Chopped coriander leaves
Chopped scallian (optional)
Mix all ingredients with water to make a dropping consistency batter.
Fry in medium/hot oil. [variation: corn, chopped spinach, shredded lettuce]
Amazing, thank you so much – I will post ! xA
Great – enjoy it