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hot_biteEasyIndian

Onion Bhaji

Crispy Indian onion fritters made with chickpea flour and aromatic spices - irresistibly crunchy and deeply savory.

⏱️ Prep: 15min🍳 Cook: 15min⏰ Total: 30min👥 Serves: 12🌡️ hot
✓ vegan✓ gluten-free✓ dairy-free

Ingredients

  • 2 largeyellow onions(halved and thinly sliced)
  • 1 cupchickpea flour
  • 2 tbsprice flour
  • 1 tspcumin seeds
  • 1 tspcoriander seeds(crushed)
  • 1/2 tspturmeric
  • 1/2 tspcayenne pepper
  • 2 tbspfresh cilantro(chopped)
  • 1 wholegreen chile(minced)
  • 1 tspkosher salt
  • 1/2 cupwater(approximately)
  • 3 cupsvegetable oil(for frying)

📝 Make Ahead

Best served immediately. Batter can be made 30 minutes ahead.

Instructions

  1. Toss sliced onions with salt in a bowl, let sit 10 minutes to release moisture
  2. Add chickpea flour, rice flour, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, cilantro, and chile to onions
  3. Mix well, then add water gradually until batter just coats onions - it should be thick
  4. Heat oil to 350°F
  5. Drop heaping tablespoons of mixture into oil, flattening slightly
  6. Fry in batches 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden and crispy
  7. Drain on paper towels
  8. Serve immediately with mint chutney or raita

💡 Pro Tips

Slice onions very thin for maximum crispiness. The batter should be thick enough to coat but not gloppy.

📜 History

Bhajis are a beloved Indian snack found throughout the subcontinent. The onion version, called pyaaz pakora in Hindi, is particularly popular in British-Indian cuisine.

Also pairs well with:

ginbeerwhite-wine