Indian Onion Bhaji: A Crispy, Flavorful Snack

If you love crispy, spiced snacks, then Indian Onion Bhaji is the perfect dish for you! These savory onion fritters are a popular street food in India, made by coating onions in a spiced chickpea flour batter and frying them until golden and crispy. With the warm flavors of cumin, turmeric, and chili pepper, this snack is delicious on its own or served alongside chutney or yogurt dip.

This Onion Bhaji recipe is easy to make at home and perfect for when you’re craving something quick, tasty, and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, these bhajis are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium (300 g) onions, sliced
• 1 cup (100 g) chickpea flour
• 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
• ¾ tsp ground cumin
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• 1 tsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 1 green hot chili pepper, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp parsley, chopped (or cilantro)
• 3 Tbsp oil for frying (I used coconut)

Directions:

1. Slice the Onions:

Peel and slice the onions into thin strips using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform thickness. Set the sliced onions aside in a bowl.

2. Prepare the Batter:

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, nutritional yeast (if using), ground cumin, salt, and turmeric. Slowly add water and lime juice, whisking until the batter is smooth and medium-thick. If the batter seems too thick, add more water one teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Add the Flavorings:

Stir in the chopped chili pepper and parsley (or cilantro) to the batter for extra flavor.

4. Coat the Onions:

Add the sliced onions to the batter and gently stir until the onions are fully coated.

5. Fry the Bhajis:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop small portions of the battered onions into the skillet using a spoon or your fingers, pressing them down lightly.

Cook each bhaji for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Fry in batches, adding more oil as needed between batches.

6. Serve:

Once cooked, transfer the onion bhajis to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or yogurt dip, and enjoy!

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: 250 kcal

Why You’ll Love This Indian Onion Bhaji Recipe:

• Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of crispy onions and a spiced chickpea flour batter creates a delightful texture and flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Quick and Easy: These bhajis come together in just 25 minutes, making them a perfect option for a quick snack or appetizer.
• Naturally Gluten-Free and Vegan: Made with chickpea flour and without eggs, these bhajis are a great option for anyone following a gluten-free or vegan diet.
• Customizable Heat: You can adjust the level of spiciness by using more or less chili pepper depending on your preference.

Tips for Success:

• Thinly Slice the Onions: Make sure the onions are sliced thinly so they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the bhajis in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and get that crispy texture without absorbing too much oil.
• Serve Immediately: Onion bhajis are best enjoyed right after frying while they’re hot and crispy. If they sit too long, they may lose their crispness.

Variations:

• Add More Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like garam masala, ground coriander, or ground cumin for a deeper flavor.
• Mix in Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like grated carrots or spinach to the batter for more variety and nutrition.
• Different Dips: Serve your onion bhajis with a cooling yogurt raita, spicy mint chutney, or tangy tamarind sauce for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• As an Appetizer: Serve these onion bhajis as a crispy appetizer before an Indian-inspired meal, or as part of a snack platter.
• With a Chutney: Pair these bhajis with a refreshing mint chutney or a sweet tamarind dip for a flavorful contrast.
• With Masala Chai: Enjoy your bhajis with a cup of spiced masala chai tea for the ultimate snack experience.

Final Thoughts:

These Indian Onion Bhajis are the perfect crispy snack, packed with bold flavors from cumin, turmeric, and chili. They’re quick to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and vegan, making them an ideal appetizer or side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as part of a meal or enjoying them on their own with a dip, these bhajis are sure to become a favorite. Give them a try, and bring the flavors of Indian street food to your kitchen!

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