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 Recipe With Fresh Mint Coriander Chutney

Name: Spring Onion Bhajis
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
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

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

Scale

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