Crispy Indian Onion Bhaji with Turmeric and Cumin

Name: Crispy Indian Onion Bhaji with Turmeric and Cumin
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Onions; Gram flour (besan); Cumin seeds; Ground turmeric; Chili powder; Salt; Water; Vegetable oil; Ground coriander; Garam masala; Ground cumin; Fresh coriander leaves; Lemon wedges

A delightfully spiced Indian fritter

Enjoy the irresistible crunch of these classic onion bhaji, accentuated with the earthy flavors of turmeric and cumin. Perfect for an appetizer or a delightful snack.

45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Onion Bhaji

Onions

2 large, thinly sliced

Gram flour (besan)

1 cup

Cumin seeds

1 tsp

Ground turmeric

1 tsp

Chili powder

1 tsp

Salt

to taste

Water

¼ cup

Vegetable oil

for deep frying

For the Spice Mix

Ground coriander

1 tsp

Garam masala

½ tsp

Ground cumin

½ tsp

For the Accompaniments

Fresh coriander leaves

chopped for garnish

Lemon wedges

to serve

Preparation

Marinating the Onions

Salt the onions

Place the sliced onions in a bowl and sprinkle with salt.

Use thinly sliced onions for a more consistent texture.

Draw out moisture

Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture.

Rinse and drain

Rinse and drain well.

Preparing the Batter

Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the gram flour, cumin seeds, turmeric, chili powder, and water.

Adjust consistency

Stir until you have a thick batter that coats the back of a spoon.

Ensure the batter is neither too runny nor too thick for perfect bhajis.

Coat the onions

Add the drained onions and mix until well coated.

Add a teaspoon of hot oil to the batter for extra crispiness.

Cooking Process

Heating the oil

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.

Frying the bhaji

Carefully dollop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.

Draining excess oil

Once golden brown, remove the bhaji and drain on paper towels.

Timing

Onion marination: 10 minutes; Bhaji frying: 20 minutes.

Heat Guide

Oil heating: Medium-high; Frying: Medium.

Plating & Serving