Crispy, golden-brown onion bhajis are a beloved Indian street food snack, and this recipe elevates the classic with the addition of succulent crab meat, creating a truly decadent Crab Bhaji. Imagine the delightful crunch of the perfectly fried onions, the subtle sweetness mingling with the savory richness of the crab, all seasoned with aromatic spices that tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, even for beginner cooks, promising a restaurant-quality appetizer you can easily make at home. Forget takeout – tonight, you're the chef!
This irresistible Crab Bhaji recipe utilizes readily available ingredients and a straightforward technique, transforming humble onions into a sophisticated and flavourful treat. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a delicious and satisfying snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure and create these crispy, flavour-packed delights? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Grinding stone/Mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Gram flour
- Onions: ½ kg
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Cumin seeds
- Salt
- Coriander
- Green chilies
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Onions and Batter
- Cut onions into long, thin pieces. The more onions, the better.
- Grind garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Add a little salt to help grinding.
- Add salt to the chopped onions; let it sit for 5-10 minutes to drain water.
- Combine salted onions, cumin, chili ginger garlic paste, and gram flour. Add red chili powder and chopped coriander. Mix well. Add more flour if needed. The batter should be thick, but not too dry.
Step 2. Fry the Bhajis
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
Step 3. Drain and Serve
- Remove bhajis with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil.
Read more: Crispy Chilli Chana Recipe: Restaurant-Style Crunchy Chickpeas
Tips
- This recipe avoids using water in the batter, resulting in a crispier bhaji.
- The bhajis are called 'crab bhajis' due to their shape after frying.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 500-600
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 60-70g
- Protein: 8-10g
FAQs
1. Can I make the bhaji batter ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the batter up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before frying.
2. What can I substitute for crab meat?
You can easily omit the crab for a vegetarian version, or substitute with cooked shrimp or finely chopped cooked chicken for a different seafood or meat flavor.
3. My bhajis are soggy, what went wrong?
This usually means they weren't fried at a high enough temperature or were overcrowded in the pan. Ensure your oil is hot enough (it should shimmer) and fry in batches, allowing space between each bhaji.
So there you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavorful Crab Bhaji recipe that's sure to become a new favorite. From appetizer to party snack, these crispy delights are guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary efforts!