Appetizer · Snack · Indian ·

Crispy Indian Onion Bhaji with Turmeric and Cumin

Name: Crispy Indian Onion Bhaji with Turmeric and Cumin
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 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; Ground coriander, 1 tsp; Garam masala, ½ tsp; Ground cumin, ½ tsp; Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish; Lemon wedges, to serve

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.

4.8(827 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 4, 2026

Crispy Indian Onion Bhaji with Turmeric and Cumin — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Onion Bhaji

For the Spice Mix

For the Accompaniments

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 240 kcal
Protein: 6.2 g
Carbs: 20.1 g
Fat: 15.4 g
Fiber: 4.3 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 960 kcal
Protein: 24.7 g
Carbs: 80.2 g
Fat: 61.5 g
Fiber: 17.2 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Onions 2 large, thinly sliced	88	2	21	0.2	4
Gram flour (besan) 1 cup	356	21	53	6	10
Cumin seeds 1 tsp	8	0.4	1.1	0.5	0.5
Ground turmeric 1 tsp	7	0.2	1.4	0.2	0.5
Chili powder 1 tsp	6	0.3	1	0.3	0.8
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Water ¼ cup	0	0	0	0	0
Vegetable oil for deep frying	480	0	0	54	0
Ground coriander 1 tsp	5	0.2	1	0.2	0.5
Garam masala ½ tsp	3	0.2	0.5	0.1	0.3
Ground cumin ½ tsp	4	0.2	0.5	0.2	0.3
Fresh coriander leaves chopped for garnish	1	0.1	0.1	0	0.1
Lemon wedges to serve	2	0.1	0.6	0	0.2

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Onions

1
Salt the onions
Place the sliced onions in a bowl and sprinkle with salt.
Tip: Use thinly sliced onions for a more consistent texture.
2
Draw out moisture
Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
3
Rinse and drain
Rinse and drain well.

Preparing the Batter

1
Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the gram flour, cumin seeds, turmeric, chili powder, and water.
2
Adjust consistency
Stir until you have a thick batter that coats the back of a spoon.
Tip: Ensure the batter is neither too runny nor too thick for perfect bhajis.
3
Coat the onions
Add the drained onions and mix until well coated.
Tip: Add a teaspoon of hot oil to the batter for extra crispiness.

How to Make Crispy Indian Onion Bhaji with Turmeric and Cumin

Total time: 1 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Heating the oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
2
Frying the bhaji
Carefully dollop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
3
Draining excess oil
Once golden brown, remove the bhaji and drain on paper towels.
4
Timing
Onion marination: 10 minutes; Bhaji frying: 20 minutes.
5
Heat Guide
Oil heating: Medium-high; Frying: Medium.