Onion Pakoda Recipe

Onion Pakoda is a popular Indian snack made from thinly sliced onions coated in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried until crispy. This delicious treat is known for its crunchy texture and savory flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to tea or a delightful appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients:

- Onions: 2 large, thinly sliced

- Gram flour (besan): 1 cup

- Rice flour: 2 tablespoons

- Green chilies: 2, finely chopped

- Fresh coriander leaves: 2 tablespoons, chopped

- Curry leaves: 1 sprig, chopped (optional)

- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated

- Carom seeds (ajwain): 1/2 teaspoon

- Red chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon

- Turmeric powder: 1/4 teaspoon

- Asafoetida (hing): a pinch

- Salt: to taste

- Water: as needed

- Oil: for deep frying

1. **Prepare the Onions:**

   - Thinly slice the onions and place them in a mixing bowl.

   - Add chopped green chilies, coriander leaves, curry leaves (if using), and grated ginger to the onions.

2. **Mix the Batter:**

   - Add gram flour, rice flour, carom seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, asafoetida, and salt to the onion mixture.

   - Mix everything well, ensuring the onions are evenly coated with the dry ingredients.

3. **Add Water:**

   - Gradually add water, a little at a time, to the mixture. The batter should be thick enough to coat the onions, but not too runny. The onions should stick together when pressed.

4. **Heat the Oil:**

   - Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.

5. **Fry the Pakodas:**

   - Take small portions of the onion batter and drop them gently into the hot oil.

   - Fry the pakodas in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even frying.

   - Remove the fried pakodas and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

6. **Serve:**

   - Serve the hot and crispy onion pakodas with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy onion pakodas!