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Bhaji, Bhaji, Bhaji

These veggie fritters are crisp on the outside, light and fluffy inside. Easy to make, delicious, addictive, and filling.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Cheap, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Global, Indian, Indo-Chinese
Calories: 654

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large white onions Sweet Onions work well here.
  • 1 large red onion
  • 1 tbsp Garam Masala or Indian 5 spice mix, see note
  • 1 tsp Salt Fine Grind
  • 1 inch Ginger minced
  • 4 ea Green Chilies Stemmed, Minced
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric
  • 1 cup Flour Rice, chickpea, or pastry
  • 3 tbsp Coriander Leaves Minced

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Method
 

  1. Cut the onions in half and then finely slice them.
  2. Mix the salt into them and set aside to drain for an hour or up to four hours.
  3. After an hour the onions will be limp and moist. Squeeze the onions to release the water into the bowl. 
  4. Add the remaining ingredients to the onions, being careful not to add to much flour.
  5. Divide the mixture into small fritters.
  6. Heat your air fryer to 176c/380f. Spray the basket with oil spray generously.
  7. Place the bhajis in the basket. You will need to cook these in batches.
  8. After 15 minutes, your first batch will be cooked to perfection.

Nutrition

Calories: 654kcalCarbohydrates: 139gProtein: 19gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 2396mgPotassium: 832mgFiber: 12gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 682IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 125mgIron: 7mg

Notes

5 Spice Mix: equal measures of cumin seeds, onion seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, and black mustard seeds; toasted and ground.
These are onion fritters, but do not let that stop you.  This recipe can be applied to zucchini, eggplant (also known as aubergine), potatoes, carrots, and more.
I use the tiny green chili peppers, with the kick of a mule. Your taste may vary; adjust as needed.
 
For a sauce; Raita:
Ingredients: 
  • 1 ½ cups plain yogurt (Greek or thick, plain yogurt works well)
  • 1 cup finely diced English cucumber (or peeled and seeded regular cucumber)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro or mint
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste 
Instructions: 
  1. In a bowl, stir together the yogurt, salt, and spices until well combined.
  2. Add the cucumber and herbs, then stir to combine everything.
  3. For best flavor, chill the raita in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. 
Or Mint Dip:
Ingredients:
      • 1 cup full-fat plain yogurt
      • 2–3 teaspoons store-bought mint sauce
      • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
      • ¼ teaspoon garam masala
      • A pinch of sugar
      • A pinch of chili powder (optional)
      • Salt to taste
      • A squeeze of lemon or lime juice (optional)
Instructions: 
    1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
    2. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve

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