Kanda Bhaji Recipe You Should Bookmark For That Perfect Monsoon Snack

Bhaji or pakora recipes are loved all across India, and kanda bhaji is among the most basic and hugely popular snack recipes. Kanda bhaji is basically onion bhaji, which are deep-fried fritters prepared from sliced onions, chickpea flour and a variety of spices. A recipe that is prepared across India, kanda bhaji is also prepared on a number of special occasions. An easy and simple savoury snack recipe, this authentic onion bhaji recipe can be prepared at home just with a few basic kanda bhaji ingredients and quick steps. Here’s how to prepare the best crispy onion bhaji recipe at home.

Are onion pakoras and kanda bhaji the same?

Pakoras and bhajis in India are almost alike since both are deep-fried fritters, however, kanda bhajis generally have a more crisp texture as compared to onion pakoras. This happens because in the kanda bhaji recipe, the ratio of gram flour is less as compared to the number of onions. Kanda bhajis are crisp, and have a slightly sweet flavour that occurs because of the onions.

Variations of kanda bhaji recipes across India

Onion fritters are a commonly prepared snack in our country. Each region has their unique way of preparing different kinds of onion fritters. Here are some of variations in the onion bhaji recipe: 

• Onion pakoda- Majorly prepared throughout the north Indian region, onion pakoras are very similar to crispy onion bhajis. A snack prepared from onions, gram flour, spices and herbs, onion pakoras are a popular Indian tea-time snack.
• Onion bajji- Native to the south of India, onion bajjis are crunchy and soft onion rings and a well-known variant of kanda bhajis. 
• Ulli vada- Mainly prepared in the state of Kerala, ulli vada is a popular street food there. Similar to onion bhajis, ulli vada is prepared from onion rings which are batter-coated and deep-fried.

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No matter which variant you are craving, here's how to prepare authentic and delicious kanda bhaji recipe at home

Ingredients for kanda bhaji recipe

You will require the following kanda bhaji ingredients to prepare Indian onion bhajis at home: 

1. 400 grams onion
2. 3 chillies, finely chopped
3. 2 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped
4. Curry leaves, chopped
5. 1 and ½ cup gram flour/ besan
6. ¼ cup rice flour
7. 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
8. ¼ tsp turmeric
9. 1 tsp chilli powder
10. ¼ tsp cumin powder
11. ¼ tsp ajwain
12. ¾ tsp salt
13. Oil

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Kanda bhaji recipe

Follow the steps as given to prepare Indian onion bhaji at home:

1. Thinly slice the onions, making sure that all the onion slices for the kanda bhaji recipe are of uniform thickness. 
2. Transfer the onions to prepare onion bhaji in a large bowl. 
3. To the bowl add the green chillies, curry leaves, coriander, chilli powder, turmeric, cumin powder, ajwain, and ginger-garlic paste as mentioned under the kanda bhaji ingredients. 
4. Squeeze all the ingredients with your hands and mix well along with the sliced onions till all the spices are well incorporated and the onions begin to release moisture. 
5. Thereafter add in the gram flour and rice flour and mix well, without adding water.
6. Heat oil in a pan, and once the oil is hot enough, drop the batter-coated onions and fry until they form a shape. 
7. Fry till the kanda bhajis turn golden and crisp.
8. Repeat the process to prepare the rest of the onion bhajis. Once done, serve hot.

Pro tip: Onions generally have moisture in them, as a result of which no added water is required in the kanda bhaji batter. However, if you feel like the recipe requires water, you can add the water in batches.