Onion Bhaji Recipe – Crispy Pyaz Bhajiya for Tea-Time Snack
Onion Bhaji, also known as Pyaz Bhajiya or Onion Pakoda, is a popular Indian street snack made with sliced onions mixed in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. It’s a quick and comforting dish best enjoyed with a cup of chai, especially on rainy or chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 2 medium onions – thinly sliced
- 1 pinch turmeric powder
- 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
- ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
- Salt – to taste
- Water – as needed to make a thick batter
- 1 teaspoon hot oil (for mixing into batter)
- Oil – for deep frying
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onions thin and lengthwise.
- In a bowl, add gram flour, turmeric, asafoetida, red chilli powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of hot oil. Mix well.
- Add water little by little to form a thick, sticky batter.
- Mix in the sliced onions and coat them well with the batter.
- Heat oil in a deep pan on medium flame.
- Drop small portions of the onion mixture into the oil using your fingers or a spoon.
- Fry the bhajis until golden and crisp, turning occasionally.
- Remove and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with chaat masala if desired.
Chef’s Tips
- Herb Boost: Add chopped coriander leaves or curry leaves to the batter for extra aroma.
- Crunch Factor: Add a spoon of rice flour or semolina to make the bhajis crispier.
- Spice Level: Adjust red chilli powder as per your taste, or add green chillies for more heat.
- Air Fry Option: Try air-frying the bhajis with a spray of oil for a lighter version.