Whether you want to start your meal with a mouth-watering appetiser bursting of flavours, or if you just need something delicious to snack on, one of the best Indian foods you should try is the onion bhaji.
The onion bhaji is a famous Indian appetiser or snack that you'll find in most authentic Indian restaurants. Also known as bhajji or bhajiya, this Indian dish is a spicy snack that's quite similar to fritters and has several variants. Although it is a famous snack in India, it is very well-loved by the people in the UK for its intense spicy and savoury flavours.
On the surface, you might think that you're faced with a plate of onion rings, but it's more than that! If you're curious about what onion bhaji is, stay with us; we'll share everything you need to know about this delicious Indian snack. Let's get to it!
What is onion bhaji?
Onion bhaji is an Indian snack that's incredibly popular in the United Kingdom and is often served in the best Indian restaurants in London. To simply put it, this dish is a combination of a mixture of spices, flour and sliced onions, deep-fried into golden perfection, and enjoyed with mango chutney or a yoghurt-based dip.
How is onion bhaji made?
Indian cooks often use large white or yellow onions for their onion bhaji. They will first peel the onions and slice them into thin rings or some, even in strips. After that, they’ll mix the batter they’ll use for the bhaji.
For the batter of onion bhaji, Indian cooks and chefs usually use chickpea flour or gram flour as their batter for their bhajji. With that as their base, to give the snack an explosion of flavour, they add other spices, such as chilli powder, coriander, turmeric and cumin.
After adding those spices, depending on their preference, they may also add seasonings, like tikka masala paste, mango chutney and lemon for acidity. To combine all of this, they will then soak the onions in eggs or water to help the flour and spices stick.
Once all the onions are coated, they will then put the onions in hot vegetable oil and fry them until they're golden. After that, they'll then serve you your bhajji with a side of yummy yoghurt dipping sauce or chutney.
What is the story of onion bhaji?
Onion bhaji originated in the South Indian state of Karnataka and is a teatime favourite for the locals that quickly became the go-to snack when you welcome guests to your home. Because it's incredibly easy to make, it also became a popular snack or treat that will surely give you a fantastic spicy and salty experience.
Because two of the main ingredients, onions and chickpea flour, are easy to obtain, onion bhaji quickly became a popular street food among the locals. Because of that, this delicacy made its way to the best Indian restaurants and is now served as one of the best-selling appetisers on their menus.
Conclusion
Your tummy is probably grumbling, and your mouth has been watering from the descriptions we've mentioned about onion bhaji. Because of that, you know what to do! It's time to head over to the best Indian restaurant in London and try their onion bhaji alongside other mouth-watering Indian dishes on the menu.
If you're looking for an Indian restaurant near Tower Hill, check out Tower Tandoori, one of the oldest and renowned Indian restaurants in London. We serve the best traditional Indian cuisine and exclusively use only high-quality ingredients and spices in every dish. Book a reservation with us today!
