This spicy Hairy Bikers Onion Bhaji recipe is made with a savory batter of gram flour, a blend of warm spices like cumin and turmeric, fresh coriander, and thinly sliced white onions. The result is a crispy, fragrant, and flavorful Indian snack that is perfect for a starter or side dish. This recipe serves six people and is ideal for adding a little kick to a casual dinner.
Hairy Bikers Onion Bhaji Ingredients
- 2 medium onions, finely sliced
- 70g gram (chickpea) flour
- 30g rice flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 15g root ginger, peeled and grated
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed or grated
- 2 green chillies, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander stems
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted, or 1 tbsp coconut yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Oil for frying
How To Make Hairy Bikers Onion Bhaji
- Prepare the onions: The Hairy Bikers recommend a “pickled” method for extra flavor. In a bowl, mix 2 medium onions, finely sliced, with a simple solution of 1 tsp granulated sugar, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp chili flakes, and 50ml cider or red wine vinegar. Let them sit for at least an hour, then drain and pat dry.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the gram flour, rice flour, baking powder, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, grated ginger, crushed garlic, chopped green chilies, coriander stems, melted coconut oil or yogurt, and lemon juice.
- Combine and fry: Add just enough water to the batter to make a consistency similar to double cream. Stir in the drained and dried onions. The batter should be just enough to hold the onions together, not to completely coat them.
- Heat the oil: Half-fill a large saucepan or deep-fat fryer with oil and heat it to about 180°C (350°F). Use a thermometer if you can, or test it by dropping a small piece of batter in—it should sizzle immediately.
- Cook the bhajis: Take heaped tablespoons of the onion mixture and carefully drop them into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry the bhajis for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are a deep golden-brown and look crispy.
- Drain and serve: Remove the bhajis with a slotted spoon and drain them on kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil. Serve them warm with a cooling dip.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Rush the Onions: The “picked” onion method is a fantastic secret. It softens the onions slightly and infuses them with a tangy, spicy flavor that makes a huge difference in the final bhaji.
- The Power of Rice Flour: Using a small amount of rice flour alongside the gram flour is a great tip. The rice flour is the secret to a super crispy bhaji that stays crunchy even after it cools.
- The Right Consistency is Key: The batter should be thick enough to bind the onions together but not so thick that it makes the bhajis heavy or doughy. You should still be able to see the individual onion strands.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the bhajis in small batches. Putting too many in the pan at once will lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy, oily bhajis instead of crispy ones.
- Serve with a Dip: While delicious on their own, bhajis are best served with a cooling dip. The Hairy Bikers suggest a simple mix of natural yogurt and mango chutney to balance the spicy flavors.
What To Serve Onion Bhaji
These crispy onion bhajis are a fantastic starter or side dish for any Indian-inspired meal. They are perfect for dipping into a cooling cucumber raita, a zesty mint and coriander chutney, or even just some simple mango chutney. They can also be served with a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
How To Store Onion Bhaji Leftovers
Refrigerate: Let the bhajis cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may lose some crispiness. Freeze: To freeze, arrange the bhajis in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven (around 200°C or 400°F) for 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy again.
Hairy Bikers Onion Bhaji Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these bhajis vegan? Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan. The Hairy Bikers suggest using coconut oil or coconut yogurt, which are both plant-based, and the other ingredients are all vegan-friendly.
- What is gram flour? Gram flour, also known as chickpea flour or besan, is a flour made from ground chickpeas. It is naturally gluten-free and is the traditional flour used to make bhajis. It gives them their unique earthy flavor and helps create a light, crispy texture. You can find it in most major supermarkets in the international or baking aisle.
- Can I make these in an air fryer? Yes, you can make a healthier version of these bhajis in an air fryer. Reduce the amount of oil in the batter, and spray the bhajis with oil before cooking. Cook them at around 200°C (400°F) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Stuffed Marrow Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe
Hairy Bikers Onion Bhaji Recipe
Description
A delicious Hairy Bikers Onion Bhaji recipe for crispy, fragrant Indian snacks. Made with a spiced gram flour batter and finely sliced onions, these bhajis are perfectly golden and crunchy. The pickled onion method adds a unique and tangy flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare Onions: Pickle the onions with sugar, salt, and vinegar solution for at least an hour. Drain and pat dry.
- Make Batter: Whisk all dry ingredients with wet ingredients, adding just enough water to create a thick, double-cream consistency. Stir in the prepared onions.
- Fry: Heat oil to 180°C. Drop heaped tablespoons of the mixture into the oil and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove and drain on kitchen paper. Serve warm with your favorite dip
