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
Main Ingredients:
- 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 taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon rice flour (for extra crispness)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 cup cold water (adjust as needed)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
Essential Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Slotted spoon for frying
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Paper towels for draining
- Parchment paper for cooling
Instructions
- Slice the Onions: Thinly slice onions into rings or half-moons and place them in a large bowl.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add chickpea flour, rice flour, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat onions evenly.
- Add Water: Gradually add cold water, stirring until the mixture forms a thick batter. The batter should be sticky but not runny.
- Heat the Oil: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles.
- Fry the Bhajis: Drop spoonfuls of the onion mixture into the hot oil, frying in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy (4–5 minutes).
- Drain and Serve: Remove bhajis with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with tamarind chutney or yogurt dip.
Notes
- For extra crispiness: Use cold water and rice flour in the batter.
- Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even crispiness.
- Spicy version: Add chopped green chilies or chili flakes to the batter.
- Storage: Store leftover bhajis in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Gluten-Free Version: Ensure that chickpea flour is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- 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
Keywords: Onion Bhajis, Indian Fritters, Desi Street Food, Crispy Snacks, Vegan Indian Snacks