Description
Onion Bhajis are a classic Indian street food snack made with crispy gram flour batter and tender caramelized onions. These golden, crunchy bites are the perfect appetizer or side dish, filled with aromatic spices and fried to crispy perfection. Served with tamarind chutney or yogurt, they make the ultimate snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chickpea flour (gram flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon rice flour (for extra crispness)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional for added flavor)
- 1/2 cup cold water (adjust as needed)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala (optional for richer flavor)
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing) (optional for authentic Indian touch)
Instructions
- Thinly slice the onions into rings or half-moons. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chickpea flour, rice flour, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt to the onions. Mix well to coat the onions in the dry ingredients.
- Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, mixing as you go to form a thick, sticky batter that holds together. The batter should not be runny.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles when added.
- Drop spoonfuls of the onion mixture into the hot oil. Fry in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Remove the bhajis from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use cold water and rice flour in the batter.
- Fry bhajis in batches to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- Add chopped green chilies or chili flakes to the batter for a spicier version.
- Store leftover bhajis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain crispness.
- To make them gluten-free, ensure that the chickpea flour is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bhaji
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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