Saturday 31 March 2012

Recipe Of The Week | Onion Bhajis

Onion Bhaji's

Classic Recipe for Authentic Onion Bhaji's by Virani

Preparation Time 15-20mins
Cooking Time 45-50mins

Ingredients Required:
8 oz pure gram flour, 1 tbsp rice flour, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tbs dhana jeera powder, 2 tsp chilli powder, 1/4 tbsp turmeric powder, 1 tbsp salt, 2 large onions, cut in half and sliced finely, 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander, 7 fl oz water, oil for deep frying.

Method:
1] sieve the gram flour into a large bowl, then mix in all the remaining dry ingredients together with the onion slices and chopped coriander.
2] gradually add water, mixing thoroughly until a thick batter is formed and the onions are well coated.
3] heat the oil to a depth of 2''-3'' in a wok or karahi over a medium heat. To check when the oil is correct temperature and ready to use, trial a drop of the batter - it should rise immediately to the surface without turning brown.
4] now the oil is at the correct temperature you can drop heaped tsp's of batter into the oil and fry. Place only a few in at a time and do not make them to large, otherwise the centre will not cook through. Turn them if necessary and fry for approx 5 mins until golden brown.
5] repeat until all bhajis are cooked, allowing time for the oil to reheat between each batch.
6] drain excess oil on absorbant paper. Serve.

The above recipe is from Virani's acclaimed cookery book 'the flavours of gujarat' and one of my favourites, packed with interesting spices,ingredients and flavours that work well together - especially the seasme seeds!

Enjoy!

Helen
the team
www.theasiancookshop.co.uk