Crispy Onion Bhaji Fritters
Crispy Onion Bhaji Fritters are a popular Indian snack that perfectly complement a variety of dishes. Known for their irresistible crunch and aromatic spices, these deep-fried onion fritters are the Indian equivalent of onion rings but are enveloped in a spiced chickpea flour batter that elevates their flavor and texture. Served hot, these bhajis are a delightful appetizer that pairs excellently with chutneys, yogurt dips, or as a side dish to your favorite Indian curry. They should be enjoyed fresh, as their crispy texture diminishes over time, making it important to fry them just before serving for the best experience.
4-8
Servings
100
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
2 (large yellow or white, sliced into thin rings)
Vinegar
1/2 cup (divided)
Flour
2/3 cup (all-purpose or chickpea flour)
Cumin Powder
1 teaspoon
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Salt
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Vegetable Oil
1 quart (for frying)
Instructions
1
Peel the onions and slice them into thin rings, about 1/8 to 3/16 inch thick. Once sliced, separate the rings and cut them into strands of about 1-2 inches in length.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced onions with cumin powder, turmeric, chili powder (if using), and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the onions are well-coated with spices.
3
Gradually add half of the vinegar to the onion mixture, and then stir in the flour slowly. Mix until the batter holds together well enough to form 1 1/2 to 2-inch balls; adjust the consistency using the remaining vinegar and extra flour as needed.
4
In a deep fryer or a large, deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure not to overfill the fryer or pan to avoid overflow. Keep a water-soaked towel nearby in case of spills.
5
Once the oil is hot, form the onion-batter mixture into small balls, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches in size. Carefully drop them into the hot oil using a metal spoon or a frying tool, ensuring not to crowd the pan.
6
Fry the bhajis until they are dark golden brown and crispy, usually around 3-4 minutes. Remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a plate lined with absorbent paper.
7
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or chutney for an incredible crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Onion Bhaji Fritters?
Crispy Onion Bhaji Fritters are a popular Indian snack made of deep-fried onions in a spiced chickpea or all-purpose flour batter, similar to Indian-style onion rings.
What is the best way to slice onions for bhajis?
You should peel the onions and slice them into thin rings, approximately 1/8 to 3/16 inch thick, then separate the rings into strands of about 1-2 inches in length.
What type of flour is recommended for Onion Bhajis?
You can use either all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for the batter.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for cumin powder, turmeric, salt, and optional chili powder.
How much vinegar is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of vinegar, which should be added gradually and divided as needed to reach the right consistency.
At what temperature should I fry the onion bhajis?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) before frying.
How long do I need to fry the fritters?
Fry the bhajis for about 3-4 minutes until they are dark golden brown and crispy.
What size should the bhaji balls be?
Form the onion-batter mixture into small balls approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches in size.
Can Onion Bhajis be made ahead of time?
It is recommended to enjoy them fresh, as their crispy texture diminishes over time.
What should I serve with Onion Bhaji Fritters?
They pair excellently with chutneys, yogurt dips, or as a side dish to your favorite Indian curry.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides about 1.25 grams of protein.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Onion Bhaji Fritters are tagged as a vegetarian dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes between 4 and 8 servings.
What kind of onions are best for this recipe?
Large yellow or white onions are recommended.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses 8 total ingredients.
Should I add the flour all at once?
No, you should stir in the flour slowly after adding half of the vinegar until the batter holds together.
What safety precautions should I take while frying?
Do not overfill the fryer or pan to avoid overflow, and keep a water-soaked towel nearby in case of oil spills.
What should I do after removing the bhajis from the oil?
Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a plate lined with absorbent paper.
Is chili powder required?
No, the chili powder is optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can add it to taste.
What is the role of turmeric in this recipe?
Turmeric provides an aromatic flavor and contributes to the golden color of the fritters.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
You will need approximately 1 quart of vegetable oil for deep frying.
How do I know the batter consistency is correct?
The batter should be thick enough to hold the onions together in 1 1/2 to 2-inch balls.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include onion bhaji, fritters, Indian snack, deep-fried, appetizer, vegetarian, crispy, chutney, and curry side dish.
What is the primary texture of a well-made bhaji?
A well-made bhaji is known for its irresistible crunch and dark golden brown exterior.
Can I use a metal spoon for frying?
Yes, a metal spoon or a frying tool can be used to carefully drop the batter into the hot oil.
What amount of cumin powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cumin powder.