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| ©ShulieMadnick |
This Indian onion bajjia (pakoras/pakodas) is my mom's recipe.
Pakoras are Indian street food. We also had pakoras at home, growing up for a snack. Since I started making these onion pakoras for Chanukah, I can't go back to plain ole' latkes.
Author's Notes:
1. Chickpea flour can be found in Indian grocery stores, many supermarkets, and online.
2. I usually work with my hands, but you can also use a tablespoon to scoop the batter and gently drops it into the hot oil.
3. My mom makes the pakoras with 1 whisked egg, but many don't add an egg to the pakoras, which keeps it not only gluten-free but also vegan.
4. Pakoras are traditionally deep-fried, but you can shallow fry the pakoras. You can use less than a cup of oil for the shallow frying.
5. You can seed the green chilis/jalapeños if you wish for less heat.
6. You can dice the onions instead of slicing and interchange some of the onions with different vegetables, like potatoes, spinach, parsnips, and some of your favorite veggies. You can get creative with the pakoras. Though always have an onion in the mix.
7. Many add with garam masala or another masala (spice mix), grated fresh ginger, but I am a die-hard for my mom's recipe minus the egg. With that being said, there's no wrong. Add ginger if you wish and adjust spices and vegetables to your taste.
Onion Pakoras
Makes about 18 pakoras
Ingredients:
3 - 4 small/medium white or red onions (approx. 1.4 - 1.5 lbs), peeled, halved, and sliced thin
1-2 green green bird's eye chili, Thai chilis, serrano or jalapeños, stemmed, halved lengthwise and sliced thin into half moons & separated
1/3 - 1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, finely chopped (approx. 1/2 -3/4 cup chopped)
