Crispy Onion Bhaji
This authentic recipe delivers crispy, golden onion bhaji, a popular Indian snack perfect for sharing. Enjoy them as a starter or with your favourite dipping sauces.
Method
- 1
Trim and peel the onions, then slice them finely.
- 2
In a bowl, combine the sliced onions with the gram flour, rice flour, baking powder, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cumin, coriander, and salt.
- 3
Gradually mix in the water until a thick, smooth batter forms.
- 4
Heat the sunflower oil in a deep pan until hot (check notes for tips).
- 5
Using two tablespoons, shape tablespoonfuls of the mixture into bhajis and gently lower them into the oil. Fry without overcrowding.
- 6
Flip the bhajis with a slotted spoon when golden on one side, and fry until crispy and golden all over.
- 7
Remove the bhajis with a slotted spoon and place them on absorbent kitchen paper to drain.
- 8
Continue frying in batches until all the mixture is cooked. Serve immediately.
Ingredients
- •400 g onions, finely sliced
- •30 g rice flour
- •1 tsp baking powder
- •1/2 tsp turmeric
- •1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- •150 ml water
- •2 tbsp oil
- •100 g gram flour (besan)
- •1/2 tsp ground cumin
- •1/2 tsp ground coriander
- •1/2 tsp sea salt
Notes
- •Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying—test by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- •Leftover bhajis can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in an oven for crispiness.
- •Adjust spices according to taste, or add chopped fresh herbs for extra flavour.
- •Serve with chutney or your favourite dipping sauce for added zing.
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