How to make healthy baked onion bhajis
Friday, September 20, 2024
Love Indian food but don't like deep frying? Instead of oily deep fried Bhajis, try making these healthy baked versions instead. Light on the inside, nicely crispy on the outside and totally delicious! An experimental recipe that totally paid off!
I love Indian food. I spent some time there many years ago and have always loved the aromatic combinations of spices involved in the dishes. I ate mostly vegetarian options while I was there as I was a little bit unsure about the meat and they have remained firm favourites.
Onion Bhajis are top of the list of choices when eating in Indian restaurants. I have always been loathe to try making them at home as I am not a fan of deep fat frying. Instead, I decided to try creating baked bhajis as a healthier option. I had no idea if these would work but decided it was worth having a go.
I was delighted with how they turned out. They were light on the inside and nicely crispy on the outside. I will definitely be making these again.
- 3 onions
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- 1/4 tsp chilli powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 100g gram (chickpea) flour
- spray oil
- water
- Finely slice the onions and fry in a few sprays of oil until really soft (add a little water if needed)
- add the spices and tomato puree and cook through
- Place in a bowl and add the gram flour (if you don’t have gram flour, add enough plain flour to bring the onions together) add a little water if needed
- Spray some oil on your hands to stop the mix sticking to them and shape into balls
- Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and flatten them slightly
- bake in the oven for 20-30 mins
- Serve with raita and mango chutney
TOP TIP
Use an oil spay to fry and spray some onto your hands to stop the mix from sticking to them.
I fill a spay bottle with a good quality oil
Ingredients
- 4 onions
- spray oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tablespoon tomato puree
- 100g chickpea flour /gram flour
Instructions
- Array
What Do You Think?
Recommend this content to other Eating Ideas readers by giving it a thumbs up!
Or why not tell us what you think by leaving a comment?
These look delicious!
Thanks Julie- I’m really pleased with how they turned out!
I can never get my bhajis right – were they as nice as the ones we had at Safa?
Well the Safa ones were divine but if you want easy, home made and baked then these are a good option
As these. Use chickpea flour would they be suitable for a gluten free guest?
Hi Diane- yes they are perfect for gluten- free eaters- give them a try, they are delicious!
Can these be frozen & reheated — if so, how?
just freeze them, defrost and heat in the oven. cover them with foil to stop them drying out! x