Onion Bhajis recipe, also known as onion fritters, are a beloved Indian snack that pairs crispy indulgence with bold flavors. These golden-brown delights are perfect as an appetizer, tea-time snack, or side dish. They are easy to prepare and deliver a crunchy texture that’s hard to resist.
To make onion bhajis, thinly slice onions and combine them with gram flour (besan), spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, and fresh herbs like cilantro. Add a pinch of baking soda for extra crispiness and a small amount of water to form a thick batter. The key is to ensure the onions are well-coated without the batter being too runny.
Heat oil in a deep pan for frying. Drop spoonfuls of the onion mixture into the hot oil and fry until golden and crispy. Drain the bhajis on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve them hot with mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or ketchup for dipping.
Onion bhajis are naturally gluten-free and can be adjusted for spice levels to suit your taste. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy evening, these crispy snacks promise to add a delightful crunch to your menu.
Onion Bhajis Recipe – Crispy Indian Snack
Onion Bhajis, also known as Onion Pakoras, are a popular Indian street food. These crispy fritters are made with thinly sliced onions coated in a spiced gram flour (besan) batter and deep-fried to perfection. Onion Bhajis are naturally gluten-free, pure vegetarian, and ideal as a snack or appetizer. Their crunchy texture and bold flavors make them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Active Time:
15 minutes
Resting Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Cuisine:
Indian
Course:
Snack/Appetizer
Servings:
4
Calories (Per Serving):
190 kcal
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 2 tablespoons rice flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
For Binding and Frying:
- 2-3 tablespoons water (as needed)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (optional)
- Oil for deep frying
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Knife and chopping board
- Deep frying pan or wok
- Slotted spoon
- Kitchen paper towels
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
- Peel and thinly slice the onions. Separate the slices to ensure even coating with the batter.
- Place the sliced onions in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This step helps release moisture from the onions, which will aid in binding the batter.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In the same bowl with the onions, add gram flour, rice flour (if using), turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, carom seeds, asafoetida, and chopped coriander leaves.
- Mix well to coat the onions with the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Bind the Batter
- Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with your hands or a spoon. The batter should coat the onions without becoming too runny. Aim for a thick consistency to ensure the bhajis hold their shape while frying.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small portion of the batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Step 5: Fry the Bhajis
- Using your fingers or a spoon, scoop small portions of the onion batter mixture and gently drop them into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even frying.
- Fry the bhajis in batches until golden brown and crisp, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon. Each batch should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the fried bhajis and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 6: Serve Hot
- Serve the Onion Bhajis hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup. Pair them with a steaming cup of masala chai for a perfect Indian tea-time snack.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
Tips for Perfect Onion Bhajis
- Thinly Slice Onions: Thin slices ensure the bhajis cook evenly and become crispy.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor of the bhajis.
- Consistency Matters: The batter should be thick enough to coat the onions without dripping excessively.
- Crispiness Hack: Adding rice flour to the batter gives the bhajis an extra crunch.
- Adjust Spices: Customize the spice level to suit your taste.