ONION BHAJIS (KANDA BHAJI RECIPE)

Crispy, airy, and irresistibly delicious—these Onion Bhajis are a must-try! Thinly sliced onions are coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter, then fried to golden perfection for the ultimate crunchy bite.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (100 g) chickpea (gram) flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 5-6 tablespoons (75-90 ml) water
  • Oil for frying

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, baking powder, salt, cumin, and turmeric until well combined.
  • Add the chopped chilies, cilantro, lemon juice, and water, mixing everything into a thick batter.
  • Stir in the sliced onions, ensuring they’re all well coated with the batter. I recommend using your hands for this step for an even coat.
  • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about an inch.
  • Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan. Fry about 3-4 bhajis at a time to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent them from becoming crispy.
  • Fry for about a minute on each side until golden brown, then flip to cook the other side.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove each bhaji and transfer them to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Repeat until all the batter is used.
  • Serve the bhajis hot on their own or with a refreshing cucumber mint raita.

NOTES

  • You can use red, white, yellow, or brown onions.
  • The ideal frying temperature is between 350°F-365°F (177°C-185°C).
  • For easy slicing, consider using a spiralizer or mandolin slicer.