India boasts a rich culinary heritage, with street food holding a special place. Mumbai, in particular, offers a vibrant array of street food. Among the many popular dishes, onion bhaji stands out as a beloved snack. This article explores a keto-friendly version of this classic treat, offering a healthier and equally delicious alternative.
What is Onion Bhaji?
Onion bhaji, also known as onion pakora, kanda bhaji, or onion pakodas, are essentially different names for the same dish: chickpea flour-based onion fritters. The spices used in the batter can vary from region to region, with some adding curry leaves or coriander leaves. While some areas consider onion pakoras as starters, others see them as a side dish. It's important to note that "bhaji" can also refer to simple vegetable curries like mushroom bhaji or brinjal bhaji.
The Keto Twist: Reimagining a Classic
Traditionally, pakoras are made with a batter of chickpea flour and then deep-fried. However, one cup of chickpea flour contains 43g of net carbs, making it difficult to fit into a keto diet. By swapping chickpea flour with almond flour, which contains only 12g of net carbs per cup, it becomes possible to enjoy this low-carb treat. This recipe uses almond flour to create a keto-friendly version of the onion bhaji, without compromising on taste or texture.
Why Air Fry? A Healthier Approach
This recipe utilizes an air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Air frying requires significantly less oil, making these onion bhajis suitable for those avoiding fried or oily foods. The air frying process also minimizes mess, as the cooking is contained within the air fryer basket, which can often be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free
Onion bhaji recipes, including air fryer versions, are almost always vegan and gluten-free. Traditional recipes are accidentally vegan, and the use of chickpea flour (or almond flour in this keto version) ensures they remain gluten-free.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients for Keto Onion Bhaji
- 2 large onions, finely sliced
- 2 teaspoon garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 green chilli
- 0.25 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 0.25 teaspoon black mustard seeds
- 0.25 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 0.25 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 0.25 teaspoon nigella seeds
- 0.25 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1.5 tablespoon fresh coriander
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup almond flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- Mixture of olive oil and butter (about 1 cm deep)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Finely slice the onions and place them in a large bowl with the salt. Set aside for at least 30 minutes to draw out the water.
- Remove Excess Water: After 30 minutes, use your hands to squeeze as much water as possible out of the onions, into the bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add all the dry ingredients (almond flour, garlic, ginger, green chilli, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, turmeric powder, fresh coriander) plus the oil and egg into the bowl with the sliced onions.
- Mix the Batter: Combine everything until a thick batter forms.
- Shape the Bhajis: Divide the mixture into 5 equal portions. Using your hands, form into round shapes.
- Preheat and Fry: Heat the mixture of olive oil and butter together until warm in a small pot. Fry for 3 minutes on one side before turning over and frying for another 3 minutes on the second side. Ensure you fry over medium/low heat to prevent burning.
- Air Fry (Alternative): Preheat the air fryer to 180°c. Shape the batter into evenly sized balls (small bhajis) and pop them into the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15 minutes at 180°c. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
Tips for Perfect Keto Onion Bhajis
- Don't Make Them Too Big: Smaller bhajis ensure even cooking and prevent a doughy or wet middle. Aim for roughly palm-sized portions.
- Help Them Brown: Spray the basket with oil before cooking, and partially air fried onion bhajis can be sprayed with a little more oil spray. Air fryers excel at crisping but may need assistance with browning.
- Fry Over Medium/Low Heat: Frying over medium/low heat will prevent burning.
Spice Variations
This recipe uses a combination of spices, including cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, and nigella seeds. If you don't have all of these spices, you can experiment with other spice mixes that you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these keto onion bhajis hot as a snack, starter, or side dish.
Storage and Reheating
Air fryer onion bhajis can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat, simply air fry for around 5 minutes at 180°c.
Can I Use Plain Flour Instead of Almond Flour?
While this recipe is designed for almond flour to keep it keto-friendly, you can use plain flour or chickpea flour instead. However, be aware that this will increase the carb content. If using plain flour, you may need to adjust the flour or liquid quantities to achieve the desired batter consistency.
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