Baked Onion Bhajia – Vegan and Gluten Free

This recipe can have many names it just depends on what you wish to call it. Pakoras, pakodas, bhajia, Bhaji, savory muffins, pancakes…yes, I use the same batter to make breakfast pancakes. How cool is that :-).

I have used the traditional Goan recipe for deep-fried bhajias. It is a common sight along the street in the evening. I remember the Aai(mom) who would make it just outside of the general store with a stove, deep-frying pan and newspaper that she wrapped the bhajias. On my recent visit to Margao in Goa I saw her daughter who does it now. The smell of deep-fried onions would make me drool on my walk back home from the bus stop during my college days.

The batter is made with gram flour (besan, chickpea flour, garbanzo bean flour), turmeric, ajwain or jeera(optional) and water. Sliced onions, overnight brine whole green chillies or slices of potatoes are added. You can spoon a small amount at a time and deep fry or bake like I did. This is a very common street food snack in Goa and perfect for those raining days with a nice cup of hot tea.

I made my baked onion bhajia in the muffin tin for its shape. I did not want to make the batter too thick and was not too sure of the shape if I had baked small scopes on a cookie sheet.

Serving Size: 11-12 muffins

Ingredients:

1 cup gram flour

1/4 tsp of powder ajwain (optional – but good for digestion – antiflatulent)

1/4 tsp of turmeric (for color)

1/2 tsp of baking powder

1.5 sliced medium-sized white or red onions

1 jalapeno chopped

1/2 bunch of fresh chopped cilantro.

2  tbsp of oil

3/4 cup water

Salt to taste

Directions:

Heat oven to 500F

Grease a muffin tin

In a mixing bowl add the first 4 dry ingredients, water and strip well to a smooth batter. Next add the onions, cilantro, jalapeno, oil and salt and mix well.

Spoon into muffin pan and bake for 8 minutes then flip the muffin and bake for another 8 minutes.

Eat it hot off the oven with a nice cup of milk tea. Cool and refrigerate the rest. Warm up and enjoy it for a quick healthy snack or a breakfast muffin.