Onion Bhajias - baked not fried

This recipe is for those of us who are trying to cut back on the amount of fat we are consuming or for cooks who are refraining from the mess and unhealthiness of deep fried cooking.

Bhajias were always a favorite tea-time snack that my mother made occasionally when we were young.  I did not carry on the tradition because I do not deep fry anymore if I can help it.  However once I started experimenting with baking some foods instead of deep frying them, I managed to introduce a lot of the traditional flavors I enjoyed back into my family's diet.  The oil-less fryer can also be used for this recipe.  And of course if you wish to fry the bhajias you can still follow the recipe and resort to frying.

This is a perfect vegan appetizer without the mess, fuss or guilt of eating deep fried foods.  The fact that the bhajias turn out crisp and tasty is an added bonus.

Ingredients

2 large onions, finely sliced and separated
3/4 cup besan or gram flour, also called chick pea flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon chilly powder ( or more to taste) - optional
2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon lime or lemon juice
1/4 to 1/2 cup water
vegetable oil of choice

Method

Preheat the oven to 450 F if using the oven.

If using an oil free fryer cook the bhajias at 400 on a lower layer until browned.

Mix the besan flour with all the powdered ingredients.

 Use a whisk to mix well.

Add the chopped coriander and leave aside.

Cut the onion lengthwise in half .  Slice finely with cut side down

 Separate the slices.

Add the lime juice to the besan flour mix.  Now add water a little at a time. Stir to mix.  Add enough water to get a thick batter.

Add the onions and stir to mix well until all the onions are coated.

 Spoon the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and greased.  Spoon out 12 equal portions.  Flatten slightly.  Spray all the bhajias lightly with a kitchen oil.

 Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.  Remove and serve.  The bhajias will be nice and crispy.

 This recipe is modified from the Spiralize Now Cookbook

Approximate nutritional values per bhajia, based on 12 bhajias

calories 35/Total fat .5 g/ carbohydrates 5.5 g/ protein 1.6 g