Onion Bhajias are the perfect blend of crunch and fragrant spices. They're a quintessential Indian snack, beloved for their crispy texture and rich vibrant color that adds freshness and an extra kick. These golden fritters are made by coating thinly sliced onions in the batter and then deep-frying them to perfection.
Add the sliced onions, chopped fresh coriander, and green chili to the batter. Mix well to ensure all the onion slices are well coated with the batter.
1 tbsp Fresh Coriander Leaves, 1 Green Chili
Allow the bhajia mix to sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture from the onions to help with the binding and flavor. You can make your favorite dipping sauce during this waiting time.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the water to the dry ingredients, mixing to form a thick batter. The consistency should be such that it coats the back of a spoon. Adjust the water quantity if necessary; sometimes, you may only need a couple of tablespoons or none.Note: When adding the water, watch carefully that the mixture isn't too wet.
150 ml Cold Water
Fry the Bhajias:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or deep fryer to 180°C (350°F). You need enough oil to fully submerge the bhajias.
100 ml Rice Bran Oil
Using a spoon or your hands, drop small portions of the batter-coated onions into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
Fry the bhajias for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the bhajias from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve hot with a sprinkle of chaat masala or your favorite chutney or dipping sauce.
Here are some top tips to help you succeed in making Crispy Onion Bhaji like a pro:
Use medium-sized, firm, and free from blemishes onions. Red or sweet onions work particularly well due to their flavor and moisture content.
Slice the onions thinly and uniformly. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture in each bhaji.
The batter should be thick enough to coat the onions but not too thick. Adjust the water quantity gradually to achieve the right consistency. A thicker batter results in denser bhajias, while a thinner batter may not adhere well to the onions.
Heat the oil to around 180°C, 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the bhajias will brown too quickly and remain uncooked inside. If too cool, they will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
Avoid overcrowding the frying pan or deep fryer. Frying in small batches ensures even cooking and helps maintain the oil temperature.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the bhajias from the oil, allowing excess oil to drain off before placing them on a paper towel-lined plate.