Telebhaja

The variety of dip fried Pakoras that are sold in the street side stalls are referred to as Telebhaja in Bengali. The Telebhaja is a very popular Snack in West Bengal. Some of the stalls in Kolkata are famous for their Telebhaja among the people of Bengal. The food lovers of Bengal has made the Telebhaja a mandatory item to give them company during their evening 'addas'.

Kalikar Chop is one of the most favorite Telebhaja of the people of Kolkata. The Telebhaja in Kolkata are of two types veg and non-veg. The veg items are more favored here. The other favorites of the Kolkatans are Beguni, Mochar Chop, Amer Chop, Fuluri, Alur Chop, Peyaji, etc.

You will find the Alur Chop, Beguni and Peyaji in almost all the stalls selling Telebhaja. Among the non-veg items Mansher Chop and Macher Chop are most popular.

Besan is the main ingredient for making Telebhaja. Besan is mixed with some water, salt and chopped green chillies to make the basic mix for it. Different vegetables are dipped in this mix for different preparations.

To prepare Peyaji you will have to chop some onion and mix it with the mixture of Besan. Then put plenty of white oil in the kadhai and heat it strongly. After the oil is boiling hot lower down the flame and gently slip small balls made from that dough. Fry them till the balls turn brown.

For making Beguni, slice a brinjal into pieces and dip each piece into the mixture made of Besan. Then dip fry them.

Telebhaja tastes best when served very hot.