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Indian Onion Bhaji Recipe

Indian Onion Bhaji Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy Indian onion bhaji deliver a golden crunch of authentic street-style magic from Maharashtra. Spicy, tangy bites packed with caramelized onions and aromatic spices promise a delightful journey you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 2 medium (300 g) onions, sliced
  • 1 green hot chili pepper, finely chopped

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (100 g) chickpea flour
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

Liquid and Herbs:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (or cilantro)
  • 3 tablespoons oil for frying (coconut oil)

Instructions

  1. Carefully slice onions into delicate, uniform strips using a razor-sharp knife or precision mandoline, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
  2. Create a vibrant, aromatic batter by whisking chickpea flour with nutritional yeast, cumin, salt, turmeric, water, lime juice, and chili pepper until smooth and well-incorporated, adjusting liquid consistency as needed to achieve perfect medium thickness.
  3. Gently fold sliced onions into the seasoned batter, ensuring each strand is thoroughly and evenly coated with the fragrant mixture.
  4. Warm a spacious skillet over medium heat, adding a generous tablespoon of coconut oil to create a sizzling cooking surface.
  5. Carefully drop small clusters of battered onions into the hot oil, allowing them to spread naturally and create crispy, golden edges.
  6. Fry each bhaji batch for 2-4 minutes per side, rotating when the bottom transforms into a rich, amber-brown color and develops a crisp exterior.
  7. Transfer the golden-brown bhajis to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain their delightful crunchiness.
  8. Serve the Indian onion bhajis immediately while piping hot, presenting them as a tantalizing appetizer or side dish perfect for sharing.

Notes

  • Prep like a pro by slicing onions uniformly for consistent crispiness and even cooking.
  • Create a perfectly seasoned batter by whisking dry and wet ingredients until smooth, adjusting water consistency as needed.
  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding bhajis to achieve a crispy exterior and prevent soggy results.
  • Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove bhajis, allowing excess oil to drain for a lighter texture.
  • Best enjoyed immediately while hot and crisp, paired with mint chutney or tangy tamarind sauce for an authentic flavor experience.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in an oven to maintain crunchiness, avoiding microwave to prevent sogginess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 190 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg