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Onion Bhaji

Crispy, lace-like fritters made from thinly sliced onions bound in a spiced chickpea batter and fried until deeply golden. A beloved Indian appetizer that is naturally vegan and ready in under 30 minutes.

35 minEasyServes 4230 cal/serving

IndianAppetizerStovetopVeganLow CarbHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeEgg-FreeGluten-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

  • 4 medium yellow onions, halved, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds, lightly crushed
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (or Kashmiri chili)
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 fresh green chili (serrano), finely chopped
  • 6 tbsp water
  • 4 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place 4 medium halved, thinly sliced yellow onions in a large bowl. Sprinkle with half the 1 tsp salt, toss, and let sit for 10 minutes. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

  2. 2

    Add 1 cup chickpea flour (besan), 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp lightly crushed coriander seeds, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp chili powder (or Kashmiri chili), 1/2 tsp garam masala, and the remaining salt to the bowl. Add 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro and 1 finely chopped fresh green chili (serrano).

  3. 3

    Add 6 tbsp water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the batter just coats the onions. It should be thick, not runny.

  4. 4

    Heat 4 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying) in a deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Drop a small bit of batter in to test - it should sizzle and rise.

  5. 5

    Drop small clusters of onion mixture into the oil, about 2 tablespoons each. Fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden and crispy.

  6. 6

    Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with mint or tamarind chutney.

Questions

How long does Onion Bhaji keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Onion Bhaji?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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