Bikaneri bhujia facts for kids
Shop selling Bikaneri bhujia
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| Alternative names | Bhujia |
|---|---|
| Course | Snack |
| Place of origin | India |
| Region or state | Bikaner |
| Main ingredients | Moth bean, gram flour, groundnut oil |
| Variations | Sev |
Bikaneri bhujia, often just called bhujia, is a super popular and crispy snack. It's made from special flours like moth bean flour and gram flour, mixed with yummy spices. This tasty treat comes from Bikaner, a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan.
Bikaneri bhujia is famous for its light yellow color. It's not just a snack; it's a symbol of Bikaner itself! Many people even use "bhujia" as a general name for similar crispy snacks.
This snack is a big part of a "cottage industry" in Bikaner. This means many people, especially women in villages, make it from their homes. About 2.5 million people in the area get jobs because of bhujia!
Over the years, many companies tried to copy Bikaneri bhujia. But in 2010, the Indian Patent Office gave Bikaneri bhujia a special protection. This means only local makers in Bikaner can use the name Bikaneri bhujia. This helps protect their unique product.
The Story of Bikaneri Bhujia
The very first batch of bhujia was made in Bikaner way back in 1877. This happened during the time of Maharaja Shri Dungar Singh, who was the ruler of Bikaner then.
How Bikaneri Bhujia is Made
Making Bikaneri bhujia starts with a special dough. This dough is made from:
- Moth bean flour
- Garbanzo bean flour
- Gram flour
Then, lots of different spices are added to the dough. These can include:
- Red chili powder
- Black pepper
- Cardamom
- Cloves
- And salt, of course!
Once the dough is ready, it's pressed through a sieve. This makes it into thin, noodle-like strands. These strands are then deep-fried in vegetable oil until they are perfectly crispy and golden.
In many parts of India, especially in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal, bhujia is a common snack. People often eat it with their meals.
Special Protection for Bikaneri Bhujia
In October 2008, Bikaneri bhujia received something called a Geographical Indication (GI) protection. Think of it like a special badge of honor!
The GI tag makes sure that only people who are officially registered and live in the Bikaner area can use the name "Bikaneri bhujia." This helps everyone know that when they buy Bikaneri bhujia, it's the real deal, made in its original home. It protects the unique quality and history of this famous snack.
