How do you make crispy spring onion bhajis at home?

To make crispy spring onion bhajis, start by finely chopping spring onions and mixing them with chickpea flour, rice flour (for extra crispiness), turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add cold water gradually to form a thick batter. Heat oil in a deep pan and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil. Fry in small batches on medium heat until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with chutney. Using rice flour and keeping the batter thick are key steps for achieving a crispy texture.

Can spring onion bhajis be made gluten-free?

Yes, spring onion bhajis can easily be made gluten-free by using chickpea flour (besan) and rice flour instead of wheat flour. Both these flours are naturally gluten-free and create a tasty, crunchy coating. Make sure to use gluten-free spices and check that your cooking oil hasn’t been cross-contaminated to keep the recipe fully gluten-free.

What are some good dipping sauces to serve with spring onion bhajis?

Spring onion bhajis pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic choices include mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a cooling yogurt raita. Mint chutney adds freshness, tamarind chutney brings a tangy sweetness, and yogurt raita offers a creamy balance to the spicy bhajis. These dips complement the flavors and make the snack even more enjoyable.

How can I make spring onion bhajis less oily?

To reduce oil absorption when making spring onion bhajis, ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the oil temperature. Use a slotted spoon to remove bhajis and drain them on paper towels immediately after frying. You can also try shallow frying or air frying as healthier alternatives that use less oil while still producing a crispy result.

Can spring onion bhajis be prepared in advance and reheated?

Spring onion bhajis are best eaten fresh for maximum crispiness, but they can be made a few hours ahead. To reheat, place them on a baking tray in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain some crunchiness. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make bhajis soggy. Storing them uncovered at room temperature helps preserve texture before reheating.

Spring Onion Bhajis Recipe With Fresh Mint Coriander Chutney

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 spring onions, finely sliced at an angle (about 12)

2 shallots, finely sliced

Vegetable oil for deep frying

Small bunch of mint leaves, picked

Small bunch of coriander, chopped

1 green chili, chopped

Thumb-sized piece of ginger, chopped

Pinch of ground cumin

Juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1-First: mix the gram flour, plain flour, ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, black mustard seeds, and sea salt in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in the chilled lager until the batter forms, then stir in the finely sliced spring onions and shallots for a fresh twist.

2-For the chutney: blend the mint leaves, chopped coriander, green chili, ginger, ground cumin, and lemon juice with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.

3-Next: heat vegetable oil in a pan to 180°C, which you can check by seeing if a bread cube browns in 30 seconds. Carefully spoon heaped tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil and fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until they turn crisp and golden brown.

4-After frying, drain the bhajis on kitchen paper, season with extra sea salt, and keep them warm in a low oven while preparing the rest.

5-Serve the bhajis hot with the freshly made chutney for the best taste.

Notes

🔥 Ensure oil reaches 180°C for the perfect crisp texture.
🍳 Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
♨ Keep cooked bhajis warm in a low oven if preparing multiple batches.
🍃 Prepare chutney in advance and refrigerate to deepen flavors.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Deep Frying
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 315
Sugar: 3.4g
Sodium: 0.7g
Fat: 13.1g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 29.6g
Fiber: 6.6g
Protein: 12.3g
Cholesterol: 0mg