How to Prepare Crispy Onion Bhajis for an Indian-Inspired Appetizer
One of the most tantalizing appetizers you can make from the rich and diverse Indian cuisine are Onion Bhajis. These little golden crispy delights are a perfect way to kickstart any meal or gathering, offering a delectably spicy and savory taste that appeals to a wide range of taste buds. Preparing onion bhajis is simpler than you might think, and in this blog, we’ll guide you through creating these crispy snacks step-by-step. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making some mouth-watering Indian-inspired appetizers!
What You’ll Need:
Before we get started, let’s make sure we have everything we’ll need.
- Ingredients:
- 2 large onions
- 1 cup gram flour (chickpea flour)
- 1-2 green chilies (adjust according to taste)
- 2 tablespoons rice flour
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A small bunch of fresh coriander (cilantro)
- Water
-
Oil for frying
-
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and chopping board
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels (for draining)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare Your Onions
First, peel your onions and cut them in half. Then, slice them thinly. This will give your bhajis the perfect texture. After slicing, place the onion slices in a large mixing bowl.
2. Spice It Up
Chop the green chilies finely and add them to the bowl with the onions. Here, you can adjust the quantity based on how spicy you like your food. Then, add your cumin seeds, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt to the onions. Mix these ingredients well, ensuring the onions are fully coated with the spices.
3. Add Flour
Now, sprinkle the gram flour and rice flour over your spiced onions. The gram flour will give your bhajis that authentic taste and texture, while the rice flour will make them extra crispy. Gently mix everything, ensuring the onions are evenly coated. Slowly add a little water and mix until you have a thick batter that clings to the onions. Be cautious not to make the mixture too wet.
4. Get Frying
Heat oil in your frying pan or deep fryer over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil for the bhajis to be submerged. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small bit of the batter into the oil; if it sizzles and floats to the top, your oil is perfect.
While the oil heats, chop the coriander finely and stir it into your bhaji mixture. This will add a fresh, herby flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
5. Fry to Perfection
Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the oil. Don’t overcrowd the fryer or pan, as this can lower the oil’s temperature and cause the bhajis to become oily rather than crispy.
Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to flip them over halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
6. Drain and Serve
Remove the bhajis from the oil with the slotted spoon and set them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. They’re best served hot and crispy, so don’t let them sit for too long before serving.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious, crispy onion bhajis with a side of tangy mint chutney or sweet tamarind sauce for dipping. These bhajis make a fantastic appetizer or snack and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Final Thoughts
Making crispy onion bhajis is a fun and easy way to bring a taste of India into your home. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for a flavorful snack, these bhajis are sure to impress. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to recreate this popular Indian appetizer with ease. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something spicy, savory, and irresistibly crispy, give these onion bhajis a try – you won’t be disappointed!
