Crispy Indian Onion Fritters (Bhajis)
Indulge in the irresistible taste of these Crispy Indian Onion Fritters, a quintessential appetizer in traditional Indian cuisine. Perfectly spiced and golden brown, these bhajis are made with thinly sliced onions enveloped in a flavorful blend of chickpea flour and spices. Whether served as a delightful starter or paired with your favorite curry, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. Accompany them with refreshing coriander chutney or cooling cucumber raita for a complete taste experience. These fritters not only shine in Indian restaurants but also make for excellent snacks or party appetizers. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors with every mouthful!
N/A
Servings
288
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
large onions
2 (sliced thinly)
chickpea flour
200 g (none)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (none)
rice flour
2 tablespoons (none)
turmeric
1 teaspoon (none)
black onion seeds
1/2 teaspoon (none)
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
water
100 ml (none)
vegetable oil
750 ml (for deep frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium to high heat. It's essential to ensure the oil is hot enough for frying.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, baking powder, rice flour, turmeric, black onion seeds, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add in the water, mixing until you have a smooth batter.
3
Add the thinly sliced onions into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated and mixed evenly.
4
To test the oil's readiness, drop in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle and brown slowly without burning.
5
Using a spoon, carefully drop tablespoonfuls of the onion-batter mixture into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become crispy.
6
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bhajis and place them onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep them warm in an oven preheated to low temperature while you fry the remaining batches.
7
Before serving, lightly sprinkle the bhajis with salt for an added touch. Serve immediately alongside coriander chutney or cucumber raita for a deliciously authentic experience.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Onion Bhajis?
Onion Bhajis are quintessential Indian appetizers made of thinly sliced onions coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
What is the main ingredient in these fritters?
The main ingredients are large onions and chickpea flour, also known as besan.
How do I make the bhajis extra crispy?
Adding rice flour to the batter and ensuring the oil is at the correct high temperature helps achieve a perfectly crunchy texture.
What flour is used for the batter?
This recipe uses a combination of chickpea flour (besan) and rice flour for the best flavor and crunch.
Are these Onion Bhajis gluten-free?
Yes, because they use chickpea and rice flour instead of wheat flour, they are naturally gluten-free.
Are Onion Bhajis vegan?
Yes, this recipe does not contain any animal products, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
What spices are needed for the batter?
The batter is seasoned with turmeric, black onion seeds, chili powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander.
How should I slice the onions?
The onions should be sliced thinly to ensure they cook through and become crispy during the quick frying process.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles and browns slowly without burning immediately, the oil is ready.
How long do you fry the bhajis?
Fry them in small batches for approximately 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
What is the purpose of baking powder in the recipe?
Baking powder helps the batter expand slightly, making the fritters lighter and airier.
Can I make these bhajis ahead of time?
While they are best served fresh, you can keep them warm in a low-temperature oven until you are ready to serve.
What are black onion seeds?
Also known as nigella seeds or kalonji, they add a slightly bitter, peppery, and nutty flavor to the batter.
What is the best way to serve Onion Bhajis?
They are traditionally served with refreshing coriander chutney or cooling cucumber raita.
How many calories are in a serving of these fritters?
A serving of these Crispy Indian Onion Fritters contains approximately 288 calories.
Can I reduce the spiciness of the recipe?
Yes, you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the chili powder from the batter mix.
How do I prevent the fritters from being too greasy?
Drain the cooked bhajis on a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil immediately after frying.
What type of oil is best for frying bhajis?
Vegetable oil is recommended due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
How much oil is required for deep frying?
This recipe calls for 750 ml of vegetable oil to ensure the fritters can be properly submerged.
Why is rice flour included in the batter?
Rice flour is a secret ingredient that provides a distinct, long-lasting crunch that chickpea flour alone cannot achieve.
Can I use red onions instead of white onions?
Yes, red onions can be used and will provide a slightly sweeter flavor and a vibrant color.
What should the consistency of the batter be?
The batter should be smooth and thick enough to evenly coat the thin onion slices.
How many onions do I need?
This recipe requires 2 large onions, thinly sliced.
Is it okay to fry many bhajis at once?
No, it is best to fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping, which would make the fritters soggy.
Can I reheat leftover Onion Bhajis?
Yes, reheat them in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness; avoid the microwave as it makes them soft.
What is the total fat content?
This recipe contains 22.5g of fat per serving.
Can I use this recipe for other vegetables?
Yes, the same spiced batter works well for making pakoras with spinach, potato, or cauliflower.
How much water is added to the batter?
You should gradually add 100 ml of water while mixing to achieve the correct batter consistency.
Are these suitable as party appetizers?
Absolutely, they are popular snacks and party appetizers because of their finger-food nature and satisfying crunch.
What do I do if my batter is too thin?
If the batter is too thin, add a small amount of extra chickpea flour until it properly coats the onions.