Crispy Onion Bhajis Recipe
Today, we’re bringing a taste of India to your kitchen with these delightful onion bhajis recipe. These crispy, golden fritters are perfect for a starter or a snack and are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
History
Did you know that onion bhajis, also known as kanda bhaji or pyaz pakora, are a beloved street food in India? These savoury delights are traditionally enjoyed during the monsoon season, with their origins tracing back to Indian street vendors who crafted them as a quick and satisfying snack. The use of gram flour not only ensures they are gluten-free but also imparts a distinctive nutty flavour and crisp texture that makes them irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your onion bhajis piping hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of colour and freshness. They pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces such as cooling raita, tangy tamarind chutney, or spicy sweet chili sauce. For a more substantial meal, accompany them with a fresh green salad or a bowl of fragrant basmati rice.
Storing Instructions
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Onion bhajis are best consumed within two days for optimal freshness. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing the container to prevent sogginess.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your bhajis and restore their crispy exterior, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the bhajis on a baking tray and warm them for 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer at the same temperature for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can make them chewy rather than crispy.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and devouring these scrumptious onion bhajis as much as we do. Share your creations with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more mouth-watering recipes. Happy cooking!
How to Make Onion Bhajis Recipe
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Crispy Onion Bhajis Recipe
Description
Crispy, golden onion bhajis are a quintessential Indian snack, perfect for any occasion. Made with finely sliced onions, gram flour, and a blend of aromatic spices, these fritters are deep-fried to perfection. Serve them hot with your favourite dipping sauces for an irresistible treat that's sure to impress. Whether as a starter, side dish, or snack, these bhajis will bring a burst of flavour and a touch of India to your table.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation:
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Slice Onions
Peel and finely slice the onions. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Mixing the Batter:
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Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the gram flour, cornflour, baking powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, chili powder, salt, minced ginger, and chopped green chili (if using) to the bowl with the onions.
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Coat Onions
Mix everything together until the onions are well coated with the dry ingredients.
Forming the Batter:
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Add Water Gradually
Gradually add water to the mixture, a little at a time, while mixing. The batter should be thick enough to coat the onions but not too runny. You may not need all the water.
Frying the Bhajis:
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Heat Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 180°C.
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Fry Bhajis
Take a tablespoon of the onion mixture and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Repeat until you have several bhajis frying, but do not overcrowd the pan.
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Cook Until Golden
Fry the bhajis for about 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Drain Excess Oil
Remove the bhajis with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
Serving:
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Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauces like raita or sweet chili sauce.
Equipment
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- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 200kcal
- Calories from Fat 90kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Sodium 300mg13%
- Potassium 150mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 5g10%
- Vitamin A 50 IU
- Vitamin C 4 mg
- Calcium 30 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin E 1.2 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and green chili to suit your spice preference.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (180°C) for the bhajis to cook evenly and become crispy. Too hot, and they will burn; too cool, and they will absorb excess oil.
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to coat the onions but not too thick. Add water gradually to achieve the right consistency.
- Serving Fresh: Onion bhajis are best enjoyed fresh and hot for maximum crispiness.
- Substitutions: You can experiment with adding other vegetables like spinach or grated carrots to the batter for a variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir well before frying.
Yes, this recipe is completely vegan, making it suitable for a plant-based diet.
While traditionally deep-fried, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), shape the bhajis, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and brush them lightly with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Onion bhajis pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as raita, tamarind chutney, or sweet chili sauce. They can also be served alongside a fresh green salad or as part of an Indian meal with basmati rice and curry.
Yes, you can freeze cooked bhajis. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat in an oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.
Ensure your oil is hot enough (180°C) before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. Also, make sure the batter is not too runny, as this can result in soggy bhajis.
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Fiona O'Sullivan
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