Chickpea flour onion fritters (onion bhaji) with creamy herb sauce

An authentic and crispy version of Indian onion fritters, served with a creamy mint and cilantro raita.

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces yellow onion
  • 100 g chickpea flour (besan)
  • 30 g rice flour
  • 120 ml water
  • 500 ml neutral vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder (preferably Kashmiri)
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 200 ml plain Greek yogurt
  • 10 leaves fresh mint (leaves)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro
  • 1 piece fresh green chili
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin (for the raita)
  • 1 pinch salt (for the raita)

Method

  1. Thinly slice the onions (about 3 mm thick). Place them in a large bowl.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, rice flour, cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, salt and baking soda.
  3. Gradually add the water while whisking to get a smooth, thick batter (the consistency of fritter batter).
  4. Pour the batter over the sliced onions and mix thoroughly so that every slice is coated.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a wide pot or wok over medium-high heat (about 170°C). To check the temperature, drop in a small piece of batter: it should immediately rise to the surface and sizzle.
  6. Using two spoons or tongs, pick up small mounds of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons each) and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot.
  7. Fry the fritters for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until deeply golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining batter.
  8. Meanwhile, prepare the raita: wash the herbs. In a blender, combine the yogurt, mint leaves, cilantro leaves (reserve a few for garnish), whole green chili (or seeded for less heat), cumin, salt and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  9. Serve the onion fritters hot with the raita. Garnish with a few fresh cilantro leaves and a pinch of red chili powder if desired.

Nutrition

Per serving

Energy
380.4 kcal
Protein
10.47 g
Carbohydrate
30.67 g
Fat
23.49 g
Fibre
5.57 g
Calcium
85.03 mg
Iron
6.37 mg
Magnesium
127.53 mg
Indicative, non-medical nutrition estimate; values depend on brands, actual weights, and whether ingredients are raw or cooked.