Crispy and Golden Onion Bajjis: A Homey Treat
Craving a delectable South Indian snack? Look no further than onion bajjis! These crispy, golden fritters are bursting with flavor and easy to make in your own kitchen. Perfect for teatime, appetizers, or even a light meal, onion bajjis are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
- 1/4 cup rice flour (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
- A pinch of baking soda
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions:
- Prep the Onions: Peel and thinly slice the onions. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for even slices, gently separating the onion rings to avoid breaking them.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the besan, rice flour (if using), turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, ajwain, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add water, whisking continuously, until you achieve a thick, pouring batter, slightly thicker than pancake batter.
- Dip and Coat: Gently fold the sliced onions into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a small drop of batter is added.
- Fry the Bajjis: Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Drain the bajjis on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce, like mint chutney or coriander chutney.
Tips:
- Flavor Boosters: Add grated ginger, chopped green chilies, or curry leaves to the batter for extra flavor.
- Batter Consistency: If the batter is too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, add a bit more besan.
- Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking the bajjis, as they can become dry and tough.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the red chili powder amount to suit your spice preference.
- Freshness is Key: Enjoy your homemade onion bajjis fresh and hot within a few hours of frying.
With these simple steps and tips, you can whip up a batch of delicious onion bajjis in no time. So ditch the store-bought snacks and embrace the joys of homemade onion bajjis!
Remember, the key to crispy and flavorful bajjis lies in the perfect batter consistency, hot oil, and controlled frying. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!
I hope you enjoy this revised recipe!