Onion Bhaji

Nutrition · per serving

Steps

1. 1

   Thinly slice the onion, chop the fresh coriander, and set the frying oil in a small deep pan over medium heat to begin warming. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced onion, chickpea flour, rice flour, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, chili powder, fine salt, and fresh coriander.

   250 g onion, thinly sliced100 g chickpea flour20 g rice flour1 tsp ground cumin1 tsp ground coriander1/4 tsp ground turmeric1/4 tsp chili powder3/4 tsp fine salt10 g fresh coriander, chopped500 ml neutral oil
2. 2

   Add the water a little at a time and toss firmly with your fingers until the flour clings to the onions in a rough, shaggy batter. It should look just wet enough to hold together when squeezed, not like a pourable pancake batter. If needed, add only a teaspoon more water.

   70 ml water250 g onion, thinly sliced100 g chickpea flour20 g rice flour
3. 3

   When the oil reaches about 180°C, test a small piece of batter; it should rise quickly and bubble steadily without darkening too fast. Carefully drop 6-8 small loose clusters of onion batter into the oil, gently separating any pieces that clump together too much.

   500 ml neutral oil250 g onion, thinly sliced
4. 4

   Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning once or twice, until the bhajis are deep golden brown and crisp at the edges. Do not overcrowd the pan or the oil temperature will drop and the bhajis will absorb more oil.

   500 ml neutral oil
5. 5

   Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain briefly. Fry the remaining batter in a second batch the same way. Serve immediately while hot and crisp with lemon wedges for squeezing over.

   500 ml neutral oil2 lemon wedges

Origin & History

Onion bhaji is a popular fritter sold by street vendors and served in homes across the Indian subcontinent, with many regional variations in spice blends and shaping. The dish became especially well known internationally through South Asian restaurants, where it is often served as a snack or starter. Its appeal comes from simple pantry ingredients transformed into something deeply aromatic and crisp.