How to make onion bhajis like a takeaway
Are you craving the delicious taste of onion bhajis that you would typically find at your favorite Indian takeaway? Look no further! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate those delectable deep-fried onion fritters right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Onion bhajis, also known as pakoras, are a popular Indian snack that are bursting with flavor and have a satisfying crunch. They are made from onions that are thinly sliced and coated in a spiced gram flour batter before being deep-fried to perfection.
Why spend money ordering takeaway when you can make these mouthwatering onion bhajis at home? By following these simple steps, you will be able to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills and enjoy these delicious treats whenever the craving strikes. So, let’s get started!
Preparing the Ingredients:
To make homemade onion bhajis that are as delicious as the ones you find in a takeaway, it is essential to start with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the necessary ingredients for your onion bhajis:
1. Onions: Start by peeling and finely slicing yellow onions. It is essential to make thin slices to ensure that the onions cook evenly and become crispy.
2. Gram Flour: In a large mixing bowl, combine gram flour with spices such as turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. This flour mixture is what gives the bhajis their signature taste and texture.
3. Baking Powder: Add a small amount of baking powder to the gram flour mixture. This will help the bhajis become light and fluffy when cooking.
4. Water: Slowly add water to the dry ingredients mixture while continuously whisking. The amount of water needed may vary, but the consistency should resemble a thick batter.
5. Fresh Herbs and Spices: Finely chop fresh coriander leaves and green chilies. You can adjust the amount of green chilies according to your preferred level of spiciness.
6. Salt: Add salt to taste. Remember, onion bhajis tend to have a slightly salty taste, but be careful not to overdo it.
7. Oil: Heat enough oil in a deep frying pan or a large pot to deep fry the bhajis. Vegetable or sunflower oil works best for achieving a crispy texture.
8. Mixture Resting Time: Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes to an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, making the bhajis even more flavorful.
9. Proper ventilation: Ensure that your cooking area is well ventilated as deep frying can release strong smells and smoke.
Once you have prepared these essential ingredients, you can move on to the next steps of mastering the art of making crispy and delicious onion bhajis just like your favorite takeaway.
Gather the necessary ingredients for onion bhajis
Before you can start making onion bhajis like a takeaway, you’ll need to gather some key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Onions
Make sure to get a few large onions as they are the star of the bhajis. Peel and thinly slice the onions to get the perfect texture when frying.
2. Gram flour
Gram flour, also known as chickpea flour or besan, is essential for binding the ingredients together and getting that crispy texture. You can find it in most grocery stores or Indian supermarkets.
3. Spices
To add that classic takeaway flavor, you’ll need a mix of ground spices. These can include cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Adjust the amounts based on your personal preference for spice levels.
4. Baking soda
Adding a pinch of baking soda to the batter will help give the bhajis a light and airy texture.
5. Fresh cilantro
To garnish your bhajis and add a burst of freshness, make sure to have some fresh cilantro on hand.
Once you have gathered all these ingredients, you’ll be ready to start making the perfect onion bhajis that taste just like a takeaway.
Peel and slice the onions for golden onion bhajis
To make delicious onion bhajis that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, start by peeling the onions. Choose medium-sized onions that are firm and free from blemishes. The outer skin of the onion should be dry and papery.
Using a sharp knife, slice off both ends of the onion and make a shallow cut along the length of the onion, removing the outer skin. Once the skin is removed, cut the onion in half from top to bottom.
Place one half of the onion flat side down on the cutting board and make thin vertical cuts across the length of the onion, stopping just before reaching the root end. Then, hold the onion firmly and make horizontal cuts to dice the onion finely. Repeat the process with the other half of the onion.
Once you have sliced all the onions, gently separate the onion strands using your fingers so that they are evenly distributed. This will ensure that each bhaji has a consistent onion flavor and texture.
After slicing the onions, transfer them to a mixing bowl and set them aside. Now you’re ready to move on to the next step in making your delicious golden onion bhajis!
Mixing the Batter
To make delicious onion bhajis, it’s important to start with a well-mixed batter. The batter should have a smooth, thick consistency that will coat the onions evenly.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup gram flour
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the gram flour, turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin seeds, salt, and baking powder. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously. The batter should be thick and smooth, with no lumps.
- Once the batter is well mixed, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the batter to thicken slightly.
When making the batter, it’s important to adjust the consistency as needed. If the batter is too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, add a bit more gram flour. The right consistency will ensure that the bhajis turn out light and crispy.
Tip: For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add chopped fresh coriander leaves or grated ginger to the batter. Experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique bhaji recipe!
Mix the dry ingredients for a crispy bhaji crust
To make the perfect crispy bhaji crust for your onion bhajis, you’ll need to mix together a few key dry ingredients. The combination of these ingredients will help create a light and crispy texture that is reminiscent of your favorite takeaway.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup gram flour (also known as chickpea flour)
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- A pinch of asafoetida (optional)
- Salt to taste
Start by sifting the gram flour and rice flour into a large mixing bowl. The purpose of sifting is to remove any lumps and create a smooth texture.
Add the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, baking powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, and asafoetida (if using) to the bowl. These spices will add flavor and aroma to the bhajis.
Season the mixture with salt to taste. It’s important to taste the batter to ensure it’s seasoned to your preference. The amount of salt needed may vary depending on personal taste.
Once all the dry ingredients are in the bowl, mix them together thoroughly using a spoon or your hand. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
Now, your dry mixture is ready to be combined with the other ingredients to make the bhaji batter. Continue following the recipe to achieve the crispy bhajis you crave.
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