Onion bhaji, a beloved snack hailing from the streets of India, is a delightful dish that boasts a tantalizing blend of spices and textures.

Originating from Indian cuisine, these crispy, golden fritters are made from thinly sliced onions coated in a flavorful chickpea flour batter. With its roots deeply embedded in Indian culinary traditions, onion bhaji has gained popularity worldwide for its irresistible taste and simplicity.

Despite its exotic appeal, onion bhaji is surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks eager to explore the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine.

The combination of spices like cumin seeds, red chili powder, and garam masala adds depth and warmth to the dish, while the chickpea flour lends a crispiness that is utterly satisfying.

Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving a flavorful snack, onion bhaji is sure to be a hit.

Expert Tip: Don’t skip the step of thinly slicing the onions, as this ensures even cooking and a pleasant texture in the bhajis.

Ingredients

Onions: Thinly sliced onions form the base of this recipe, lending their sweet and savory flavor to the bhajis.

Chickpea Flour: Also known as besan, chickpea flour provides a nutty flavor and crispy texture to the batter.

Baking Powder: Helps the bhajis achieve a light and airy texture.

Cumin Seeds: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the batter.

Chilli Powder: Infuses the bhajis with a subtle kick of heat.

Turmeric Powder: Contributes a vibrant yellow hue and a hint of bitterness to the dish.

Garam Masala: A fragrant spice blend that adds complexity and depth of flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the bhajis.

Coriander: Freshly chopped coriander leaves provide a burst of freshness and color to the dish.

Water: Used to create the batter to the desired consistency.

Oil: For frying the bhajis to crispy perfection.

Expert Tip: Adding a pinch of baking soda to the batter can help achieve a lighter texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the onion bhajis hot and crispy as a standalone snack or appetizer.
• Accompany them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or yogurt raita.
• Pair them with other Indian dishes like samosas, pakoras, or masala chai for a complete meal or snack spread.

Expert Tip: For extra crispy bhajis, make sure the batter is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make onion bhajis ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, it’s best to fry the bhajis just before serving to ensure they remain crispy.

Can I use a different type of flour?

While chickpea flour is traditional for onion bhajis, you can experiment with other flours like all-purpose flour or rice flour. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary.

How do I achieve crispy bhajis?

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the bhajis, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry them in small batches to maintain the temperature of the oil and achieve crispy results.

Can I make onion bhajis without deep-frying?

While deep-frying yields the crispiest results, you can also try shallow-frying or baking the bhajis for a lighter alternative. However, the texture may differ slightly.

Can I customize the spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference or experiment with additional spices to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Onion Pakora
• Vegetable Pakora
• Aloo Pakora
• Shrimp Pakora
• Fish Pakora

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Onion Bhaji

by Nabeela Kauser

Looking for a snack that’s crisp, flavourful, and has a dash of Indian charm? Let me introduce you to Onion Bhajis! These scrumptious fried fritters will take your tastebuds on an epicurean adventure without leaving your kitchen.

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetiser

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 4

Calories 173 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 Onions Thinly sliced
• ▢ 150 g Chickpea Flour
• ▢ 1 tsp Baking Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Garam Masala
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ Coriander Chopped
• ▢ Water As needed
• ▢ Oil For frying

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, baking powder, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
• Add the thinly sliced onions to the dry mixture. Mix well, ensuring the onions are coated evenly with the flour and spices.
• Gradually add water to the mixture while stirring. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Start with about 1/2 cup of water and adjust as needed.
• Add the chopped coriander leaves to the batter and mix again.
• Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan for frying. The oil should be around 170°C (340°F).
• Using a spoon or your hands, drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
• Fry the bhajis for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even frying.
• Once the bhajis are cooked, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
• Serve the onion bhajis hot with your favourite dipping sauce, such as mint chutney or tamarind sauce.

Notes

Onion bhajis are best enjoyed fresh and hot.

You can adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chilli powder.

Feel free to customise the batter by adding other spices or herbs of your choice.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 9gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 719mgPotassium: 418mgFibre: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 97IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Finger Food, Food, Onion, Onion Bhaji, Ramadan, Recipe, Vegetarian

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