Why You’ll Love This Spring Onion Bhajis
This Spring Onion Bhajis recipe stands out as an easy way to enjoy a crispy snack that brings a burst of flavor to your table. Packed with fresh spring onions, it’s quick to make and uses simple ingredients that create a delightful crunch. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these bhajis offer a fun way to explore Indian-inspired dishes right at home.
One of the best parts is how straightforward the preparation is, making it ideal for home cooks and busy parents alike. The dish provides health benefits too, as spring onions deliver vitamins and fiber while chickpea flour adds protein for a gluten-free option. Total preparation and cooking time is around 50 minutes, fitting perfectly into a hectic schedule.
These bhajis adapt to many needs, such as being vegan or low-calorie, which appeals to diet-conscious individuals and food enthusiasts. Their unique spice blend, including turmeric and cumin, gives a fresh twist that makes them a go-to appetizer or side. Served with a homemade mint and coriander chutney, they create memorable moments with family and friends.
- Ease of preparation: Mix the batter quickly and fry in minutes for a hassle-free snack.
- Health benefits: Fresh spring onions bring antioxidants and vitamins, while chickpea flour supports digestive health.
- Versatility: Adjust for vegan or gluten-free diets to meet various lifestyles.
- Distinctive flavor: Spices like cumin and turmeric create a crispy, aromatic treat that elevates simple ingredients.
Using chilled lager in the batter helps achieve a light and crisp texture, as recommended in the tips for this recipe. For more insights on incorporating fresh veggies, check out our cabbage roll soup recipe that pairs well with light appetizers.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Spring Onion Bhajis
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Spring Onion Bhajis
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Spring Onion Bhajis: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Spring Onion Bhajis
- 5. Mastering Spring Onion Bhajis: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Spring Onion Bhajis: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Onion Bhajis
- 8. Spring Onion Bhajis
Essential Ingredients for Spring Onion Bhajis
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making perfect Spring Onion Bhajis. This section lists everything needed with precise measurements to ensure success. Focus on fresh items for the best results, and remember to measure accurately for a balanced batter.
- 160g gram flour (chickpea flour)
- 25g plain flour
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp black mustard seeds
- ½ tsp sea salt, plus extra for serving
- 250ml chilled lager
- 250g finely sliced spring onions
- 2 finely sliced shallots
- For the chutney: A small bunch of mint leaves
- For the chutney: A small bunch of chopped coriander
- For the chutney: 1 chopped green chilli
- For the chutney: A thumb-sized piece of chopped ginger
- For the chutney: A pinch of ground cumin
- For the chutney: Juice of 1 lemon
- For the chutney: 2-3 tablespoons of cold water
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Special dietary options include making this recipe naturally vegan and gluten-free by sticking to the listed ingredients. Chickpea flour provides a high-protein base, while spring onions add fresh flavor and nutrients.
How to Prepare the Perfect Spring Onion Bhajis: Step-by-Step Guide
Start by mixing the dry ingredients to build a solid base for your Spring Onion Bhajis. This ensures even flavor distribution and a smooth batter. Follow these steps carefully for the best results, keeping an eye on the oil temperature for crispiness.
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and finely slice 250g spring onions and 2 shallots; measure out 160g gram flour, 25g plain flour, 1 tsp each of ground turmeric, ground cumin, and ground coriander, 2 tsp black mustard seeds, and ½ tsp sea salt.
- Make the batter: In a bowl, whisk the dry ingredients with 250ml chilled lager until smooth and lump-free for a light texture.
- Add vegetables: Gently fold in the sliced spring onions and shallots to the batter, coating them evenly without overmixing.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat to 180°C for optimal frying.
- Fry the bhajis: Drop heaped tablespoons of batter into the hot oil in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes until crisp and golden brown.
- Drain and season: Use a slotted spoon to remove bhajis, drain on kitchen paper, and sprinkle with extra sea salt.
- Keep warm: Place cooked bhajis in a low oven while frying the rest to maintain crispness.
- Prepare the chutney: Blend a small bunch of mint leaves, a small bunch of chopped coriander, 1 chopped green chilli, a thumb-sized piece of chopped ginger, a pinch of ground cumin, and the juice of 1 lemon with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
- Serve: Enjoy the bhajis hot with the fresh chutney on the side for a flavorful finish.
Maintaining oil at 180°C helps prevent excess oil absorption, as per the tips. For another tasty fried dish, try our cheddar corn potato fritters for a similar crunchy experience.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Spring Onion Bhajis
Everyone has different needs, so tweaking Spring Onion Bhajis is simple and fun. Swap ingredients to fit your diet while keeping the dish tasty and enjoyable. These changes maintain the core recipe’s appeal for home cooks and food enthusiasts.
- Protein alternatives: Use rice flour instead of gram flour for a lighter feel, or add mashed potatoes for extra texture.
- Vegetable swaps: Replace spring onions with leeks if needed, or mix in grated carrots for added color and nutrients.
- Seasoning options: Try garam masala or black pepper to adjust the spice level to your taste.
- Sauce variations: Pair with tamarind chutney instead of mint for a different twist.
This makes the recipe versatile for busy parents or diet-conscious folks. Remember, sticking to gluten-free flour keeps it safe for all.
Mastering Spring Onion Bhajis: Advanced Tips and Variations
To take your Spring Onion Bhajis to the next level, focus on techniques that enhance crispiness and flavor. Use chilled lager in the batter for a lighter result, and keep oil at 180°C to avoid sogginess. These tips build on the basic recipe for better outcomes.
Pro Cooking Techniques
Add a bit of rice flour to the mix for extra crunch, and fry in small batches. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the oil’s heat, preventing the bhajis from absorbing too much oil.
Flavor Variations
Experiment by adding chopped ginger or garlic to the batter for a deeper taste. You can also include curry leaves for an authentic twist, making it exciting for food lovers.
Presentation and Storage
| Tips | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Serve on platters with herbs | Enhances visual appeal for guests |
| Prepare batter ahead | Allows for quick cooking later |
Make-ahead options include refrigerating batter for up to 2 hours or freezing cooked bhajis. For more veggie ideas, visit Learn about the benefits of spring onions.
How to Store Spring Onion Bhajis: Best Practices
Proper storage keeps your Spring Onion Bhajis fresh and crispy for later. Cool them completely before storing to lock in flavor and texture. This is especially useful for students or working professionals planning meals ahead.
- Refrigerate cooled bhajis in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freeze by placing them on a tray first, then transfer to a bag for up to a month.
- Reheat in an oven at 180°C for 8-10 minutes to keep them crisp.
- Portion for meal prep to save time and reduce waste.
This method ensures your bhajis stay enjoyable, just like fresh ones.
Nutritional info per serving (serves 4): 315 kcal, 13.1g fat (1g saturates), 29.6g carbohydrates (3.4g sugars), 6.6g fiber, 12.3g protein, and 0.7g salt. For details on flour, check Discover more about garbanzo bean flour.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Onion Bhajis
What are spring onion bhajis and how are they made?
Spring onion bhajis are a popular Indian snack made by coating chopped spring onions in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-frying them until crispy. The batter typically includes ingredients like gram flour, turmeric, chili powder, cumin seeds, and salt. After mixing the spring onions with the batter, small spoonfuls are dropped into hot oil and fried until golden brown. They are served hot with chutney or yogurt, making for a flavorful and crunchy appetizer.
Can I make spring onion bhajis gluten-free?
Yes, spring onion bhajis are naturally gluten-free when made with chickpea flour (gram flour), which contains no wheat. To keep them gluten-free, avoid adding any wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients to the batter. Always check spice blends for hidden gluten if using pre-mixed powders. This makes spring onion bhajis a great snack option for those with gluten sensitivities.
What are some tips for making crispy spring onion bhajis?
To get crispy spring onion bhajis, start with a dry or slightly damp batter—avoid adding too much water as it can make the bhajis soggy. Use fresh spring onions and finely chop them for even cooking. Fry the bhajis at medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C) to cook them thoroughly without absorbing excess oil. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
How do I store and reheat leftover spring onion bhajis?
Store leftover spring onion bhajis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, which helps retain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bhajis soggy. Reheating this way ensures they stay crunchy and delicious.
Are spring onion bhajis healthy to eat as a snack?
Spring onion bhajis can be enjoyed as a part of a balanced diet but are typically deep-fried, making them high in calories and fat. Using minimal oil and frying at the correct temperature can reduce oil absorption. You can also bake them as a healthier alternative, though the texture will differ slightly. Including fresh spring onions adds vitamins and antioxidants, but for a healthier snack, consume bhajis in moderation.
Spring Onion Bhajis
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
🧅 These Spring Onion Bhajis offer a crispy, flavorful snack packed with aromatic spices and fresh spring onions.
🌿 Paired with fresh mint and coriander chutney, they provide a refreshing and vibrant taste experience perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
160g gram flour (chickpea flour)
25g plain flour
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp black mustard seeds
½ tsp sea salt, plus extra for serving
250ml chilled lager
250g finely sliced spring onions
2 finely sliced shallots
A small bunch of mint leaves for the chutney
A small bunch of chopped coriander for the chutney
1 chopped green chilli for the chutney
A thumb-sized piece of chopped ginger for the chutney
A pinch of ground cumin for the chutney
Juice of 1 lemon for the chutney
2–3 tablespoons of cold water for the chutney
Vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions
1-Prepare the ingredients: Wash and finely slice 250g spring onions and 2 shallots; measure out 160g gram flour, 25g plain flour, 1 tsp each of ground turmeric, ground cumin, and ground coriander, 2 tsp black mustard seeds, and ½ tsp sea salt.
2-Make the batter: In a bowl, whisk the dry ingredients with 250ml chilled lager until smooth and lump-free for a light texture.
3-Add vegetables: Gently fold in the sliced spring onions and shallots to the batter, coating them evenly without overmixing.
4-Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat to 180°C for optimal frying.
5-Fry the bhajis: Drop heaped tablespoons of batter into the hot oil in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes until crisp and golden brown.
6-Drain and season: Use a slotted spoon to remove bhajis, drain on kitchen paper, and sprinkle with extra sea salt.
7-Keep warm: Place cooked bhajis in a low oven while frying the rest to maintain crispness.
8-Prepare the chutney: Blend a small bunch of mint leaves, a small bunch of chopped coriander, 1 chopped green chilli, a thumb-sized piece of chopped ginger, a pinch of ground cumin, and the juice of 1 lemon with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
9-Serve: Enjoy the bhajis hot with the fresh chutney on the side for a flavorful finish.
Notes
🍻 Use chilled lager in the batter for a lighter and crispier texture.
🌡️ Maintain the oil temperature at 180°C to avoid excess oil absorption.
🔥 Keep cooked bhajis warm in a low oven while preparing the rest to serve them hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 4-5 bhajis per serving
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 3.4g
- Sodium: 0.7g
- Fat: 13.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29.6g
- Fiber: 6.6g
- Protein: 12.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spring Onion Bhajis, Mint Chutney, Coriander Chutney, Indian Snack