Indian Onion Fry (Healthy Recipe)

Enjoy crispy, light, flavorful homemade Indian onion fries with just one tablespoon of oil for every 4 fries! Mixing thinly sliced ​​onions with a spicy chickpea flour batter and pan-fried until crisp, these onion fritters are gluten-free, egg-free, vegetarian, and a healthy appetizer, snack, or side!

There is nothing like onion bhaji to complete an Indian meal. Unfortunately, after eating grease-laden onion fries or getting an upset stomach while getting takeout, I’m starting to think I’m going to have to give them up. I assumed I couldn’t recreate their special crispy, crunchy, tender, delicious magic without a deep fryer. I’ve never been so happy to be told how wrong I was.

In fact, this healthy onion fritters recipe is more comforting than the original Indian fried onion fritters, with a tender middle and crispy outside, but made with just one tablespoon of oil for every four fritters. Also, they are extremely budget-friendly, ready in less than 30 minutes and ready to be enjoyed addictively Vegetarian RaitaChutney, or alongside curry And Nan!

What is fried onion?

Firstly, bhaji is a type of Indian stir-fry made with vegetables and enjoyed as a snack or appetizer from street carts and restaurants. Indian onion bhaji (known as onion pakora, kanda bhaji etc. depending on the region) combines finely chopped onion mixed with a delicious spicy chickpea flour batter made with chillies and fresh herbs, then deep fried until soft in the middle and crispy on the outside.

For this bhaji recipe, though, I’ve ditched the deep fryer for a wok, so you can enjoy fried onions that are just as flavorful and have the perfect crispy texture, but with a fraction of the oil. Plus, you can freeze them to reheat later, so I recommend making a double (or even triple) batch!

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All you need to make this amazing onion fry are 8 simple, inexpensive ingredients.

• Onions: You can use red, white or yellow onions for this onion bhaji recipe, but the latter are a little sweeter.
• Chickpea flour: (or flour labeled gram flour, gram flour, or garbanzo bean flour) will help bind and create a naturally gluten-free batter for onion fritters while providing a ton of nutty, delicious, slightly earthy flavor.
• Nutrition Facts: (optional) to add a nutty, cheesy, umami flavor depth.
• Spices: I use cumin, turmeric, and salt to season Indian fries.
• Water: You need enough to make the batter.
• Lemon Syrup: (or lemon juice) acidity helps add ‘brightness’.
• Chilli: I use finely chopped green chillies. Feel free to adjust the amount.
• Fresh Parsley: Alternatively, use cilantro.
• Oil: I like to use coconut oil, but other neutral cooking oils (such as avocado oil or vegetable oil) also work.

Can I add any other spices to fried onions?

Depending on the region and between restaurants and households, there are many different ways to season onion pakoras in India. Other popular spice additions to this onion bhaji recipe include:

• Chili powder or chili flakes (for extra heat)
• ground coriander
• Garlic and/or ginger (fresh or ground)
• curry leaves
• garam masala
• fenugreek
• Carom seeds

Read the recipe card below for this Full ingredient list, Measurements, full recipe method, and nutrition information.

How to make fried onions?

• First, peel and then cut the onions into thin strips using a sharp knife or mandoline and set aside.
• In a medium/large mixing bowl, combine all remaining ingredients (except oil) and whisk to a medium-thick batter.

If the batter is too thick, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time.

• Stir in the chopped onions (I used my hands), mixing well until they are completely and evenly coated in the batter.

• Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat with at least one tablespoon of coconut oil. Once hot, use tongs to drop small chunks of battered onion into the pan (I cooked 4 fries at a time).
• Cook the onion fritters for about 2-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Repeat with remaining onion mixture and enjoy!

What to serve with onion fritters?

If you plan to enjoy them as a snack or appetizer, a mango chutney or a yogurt-based dip, e.g. Indian Raita (which is yogurt and cucumber based), is definitely my preferred way to go.

Make a more Indian feast with options:

Storage instructions

shop: Although these onion bhajis have the best texture when cooked fresh, you can store any cold leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days.

freeze: Spread them across a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe Ziploc for up to 2 months. Refrigerate overnight before reheating.

Reheat: For best textural results, I recommend reheating Indian fritters in a wok with a little oil. You can reheat them in the oven or air fry them at 350F/175C until hot and crispy (about 10-15 minutes in the oven and 4-7 minutes in the air fryer).

FAQs

Is fried onion vegetarian?

Traditionally, yes, they usually are, the recipe combines onions, chickpeas/ gram flour, spices and sometimes lemon juice. Some versions use eggs, but this recipe is gluten-free, egg-free and vegan.

Can you eat cold fried onions?

absolutely They are fully cooked and safe to enjoy, cold or hot, although cold pakoras/bhajis will not be crispy.

What can I use instead of gram flour for bhaji/pakora?

Technically, you can use regular all-purpose flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix (the amount of water needed for the batter will vary). However, keep in mind that chickpea flour adds a lot of flavor even when fried, so they won’t taste the same and will probably need more seasoning.

Can I add other vegetables?

Feel free to substitute some onions for thinly sliced ​​carrots or potatoes. Zucchini can also work but must be squeezed first to remove excess liquid. You can add finely chopped spinach.

Recipe notes and tips

• Thinly slice the onion: so that it cooks in short cooking time. A mandoline slicer helps make it easier to cut thin, even slices.
• For light, crispy fries: I’ve heard that replacing a spoon or two of chickpea flour with corn flour can make it light and super crispy.
• Use fresh gram flour: May become bitter if old.
• Taste is mild: You can change the amount of all the spices/chilly used. Cook a test bhaji to check if you want to add any spices/chili.

More vegan fritters and patties

I would love it if you tried this easy, healthy homemade onion bhaji recipe Comment and ★★★★★ Recipe rating Down below. Also, please don’t forget Tag me in a re-creation on Instagram or Facebook with @ellavegan And #Elvegan– I love to see them.

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