East Africa · Street food
Bajiye (Spiced Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)
Crispy golden Somali black-eyed pea fritters loaded with fresh herbs, garlic, and hot green chilies.
The story
Bajiye is the quintessential afternoon street snack of southern Somalia, most iconic along the bustling markets of Mogadishu, Kismayo, and the riverine towns of the Lower Shabelle. Shared culturally across the Swahili coast and adapted from early Indian ocean traders, it is prepared by soaking raw dried black-eyed peas rather than using pre-cooked beans or flour. The key culinary nuance lies in grinding the soaked beans with minimal water, aerating the paste vigorously by hand to yield a shatteringly crisp shell that protects a soft, herbaceous interior.
Unlock the full recipe
Members get every recipe from all 54 nations, the AI Chef, hands-free Voice Chef and their own cookbook. Seven days free, then £4.99 a month. Cancel any time.
Cook this next
Cambuulo (Simmered Azuki Beans and Maize with Sesame Oil)
Tender azuki beans and cracked field corn slow-simmered to a luscious porridge, laced with fragrant toasted sesame oil and raw sugar.
Sambusa (Crispy Spiced Meat and Onion Pastry)
Crisp, golden triangular pastries packed with finely spiced minced beef, spring onions, and vibrant green chilies.
Somali Sabaayad Flatbread
Flaky, layered Somali flatbreads paired perfectly with sweet spiced Somali tea or savory stews.
Baasto Faasoliya (Spiced Spaghetti with White Bean Stew)
An iconic Somali pasta tossed in a rich, xawaash-spiced tomato stew loaded with tender cannellini beans, sweet peppers, and cilantro.