If you have visited an Indian restaurant or had Indian takeout, you have definitely had the crispy golden delight known as onion bhaji. This popular snack has a perfect balance of crunchy, flavourful, and spicy, making it a delicious treat for evening or rainy days. But did you know you can simply make this famous dish in the comfort of your own home? In this blog, we will teach you how to prepare onion bhaji at home using a simple method that everyone can follow.
Why Should You Make Onion Bhaji at Home?
There’s something wonderful about homemade foods, particularly when they are as flavourful as onion bhaji. Not only will you enjoy the process of cooking, but you will also be able to eat them on the spot. And when it comes to onion bhajis, fresh means crunchy, fragrant, and extremely satisfying. Making them at home provides you with complete control over the ingredients. Whether you want to bring down the spices or make them extra crispy, you can adjust the recipe to what you want. Furthermore, handmade bhajis have no chemical preservatives or ingredients seen in their bought-from-store counterparts. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy the fragrance of frying onions in their kitchen? So, are you ready to master the art of the onion bhaji? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You Will Need
To cook up an excellent onion bhaji at home, you will only need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chickpea flour (gramme flour)
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of cilantro powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Add ½ tsp of chilli powder (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Add salt to taste
- A sprinkle of baking powder (for added crispness)
- Fresh coriander (optional)
- Water
- Vegetable Oil (For Frying)
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare the Onions
Start by slicing your onions nice and thin. The thinner the slices, the crispier your bhajis will be. Place the onions in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle them with a bit of salt. This helps to soften the onions and draw out moisture, which is key for making a flavourful batter.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the chickpea flour, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, and a pinch of baking powder. These spices will give your bhajis their signature flavour and golden hue.
Prepare the Batter
Slowly add water to the dry ingredients while stirring. You want to create a thick but smooth batter similar to pancake batter, but slightly thicker. Once the batter is ready, add the onions and stir until they are fully coated. You can also toss in some chopped fresh coriander for added freshness and flavour.
Fry the Bhajis
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a tiny bit of the batter into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready. Using a spoon or your hands, scoop small portions of the onion mixture into the hot oil, shaping them into small fritters.
Fry in Portion
Fry the bhajis in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once done, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Serve and Enjoy
Your onion bhajis are now ready to enjoy! Serve them hot with your favourite dipping sauces, such as mint chutney or tamarind sauce. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot chai (tea), making them the perfect snack for any occasion.
Tips for the Perfect Onion Bhaji
Cooking the perfect onion bhaji is easier than you would believe. Here are some tips on how to make your bhajis crispy and tasty every time:
- When making the batter, use cold water, this helps the bhajis stay crispy when fried.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while cooking. This reduces the oil’s temperature, resulting in soft Bhajis.
- For super crispy bhajis, add a little bit of rice flour to the batter.
- If you are cooking in stages, keep the bhajis warm in the oven until ready to serve.
Onion Bhaji Variations
Want to switch things up? There are several delicious ways to put your own spin on traditional onion bhajis:
- Spinach Onion Bhaji: Add chopped spinach to the batter for a vibrant green twist.
- Vegetable Bhaji: Mix in grated carrots, potatoes, or even cauliflower for a heartier snack.
- Baked Bhaji: For a healthier alternative, bake the bhajis at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Cooking onion bhaji at home is not only enjoyable but also quite satisfying. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can make a batch of these crispy, flavorful fritters to dazzle your family and friends. Onion bhajis make an excellent snack or side dish for any Indian dinner. So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe and bring the flavours of India into your own home. Also, don’t forget to share your experience and tell us how your bhajis came out!