Crispy Onion Bhajis (Easy Homemade Recipe)

These crispy onion bhajis are light, crunchy, and packed with flavour. Made with simple ingredients and a few key techniques, they're far better than any shop-bought version and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Crispy Onion Bhajis (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Makes 10-12

Ingredients

4 red onions, thinly sliced

1 tsp ground turmeric

½ tsp chilli powder

1 green chilli, finely chopped

½ tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

Small handful fresh coriander, chopped

Juice of ½ lemon

1 tsp salt

½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

50-75g gram flour

Vegetable or sunflower oil, for deep frying

Method

Place the sliced onions into a large mixing bowl and use your hands to separate the layers. This helps create light, crispy bhajis.

Add the turmeric, chilli powder, green chilli, cumin, coriander, fresh coriander, lemon juice and salt. Mix well until the onions are evenly coated.

Leave the mixture to stand for 15 minutes. The salt and lemon juice will draw moisture from the onions, helping to create the batter.

Sprinkle over the bicarbonate of soda and gradually add the gram flour, mixing well after each addition. Continue adding flour until the onions are lightly coated and just begin to hold together when squeezed. The mixture should feel sticky rather than dry.

Heat the oil in a deep saucepan or fryer to 170-180°C.

Using your hands, loosely squeeze small handfuls of the mixture together and carefully lower them into the hot oil. Avoid packing them too tightly, as rough edges become wonderfully crisp when fried.

Cook in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and crisp.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or a plate lined with kitchen paper.

Season immediately with a pinch of flaky sea salt and serve warm.