All About Onion Pakoda | Recipe | Kanda Bhajji | Pyaj Ke Pakode
What is Onion Pakoda/bhajiya?
Onion pakoda/bhajiya are basically onion fritters made with gram flour (besan),salt, spices and finely sliced onion. When it’s monsoon our hearts start yearning for something spicy and crunchy to munch on, that’s when pakoda’s come into the picture.
The ever popular combination of piping hot pakoda and cutting chai is a famous street food of Mumbai. Nothing beats loads of onion pakoda/bhajia with hot masala chai on a cold day. Onion pakoda is a popular Indian street food as well as one of the most popular and much-loved snacks, especially during the monsoon and cold winters.
Commonly prepared in most Indian homes for evening snacking. Whether you want to entertain guests or just enjoy the pleasant rainy evening or cold wintery days, crispy and spicy pakoda can never go out of fashion. It’s even better when accompanied by masala tea or your favorite chutney. It is one snack that is easy to prepare and tastes good too.
Origin of onion pakoda
Originated in the South Indian state of Karnataka and is a teatime favourite for the locals that quickly became the go-to snack when you welcome guests to your home.
When Was pakoda invented?
The pakoda was invented by Kundan Lal in Peshawar in the 1930s
What is another name for an onion Pakoda/bhaji?
Onion Bhaji can be called by other names too in different regions of India and Pakistan. It can also be called “pyazo” and “pyaz k pakoray”, because of the main ingredient onion to make this snack.
How to make Onion pakoda?
It is a deep-fried fritter made with a batter of gram flour, onions, spices and herbs. It is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of steaming hot tea or coffee. It is also a great starter for any party or get-together.
Making onion pakoda is really simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious snack:
- Slice the onions – evenly & thinly. Avoid slicing the onions too thin or too thick. They should be moderately thin. Take them in a mixing bowl. Also, add chopped green chilies. If you do not have green chilies, then add red chili powder. You can also add chopped coriander leaves if you want.
- Add the spices – Carom seeds (ajwain), turmeric powder, and chopped green chilies. If you do not have green chilies, then add red chili powder. You can also add chopped coriander leaves if you want and salt as required.
- Mix everything well. Cover and keep the mixture aside for 20 minutes.
- The onions would release water and then add water as required in the batter with gram flour (besan) or you can even make these with chickpea flour.
- Stir the whole mixture properly with a spoon or with your hands. The onion pakoda batter is ready to be fried.
Okay, eating fried onions on a daily basis might not make your stomach happy, but it will definitely bring a smile to your face!
Facts about Onion Pakoda
- Eating onions daily can help you lose belly fat!
- The pakoda was invented by Kundan Lal in Peshawar in the 1930s.
- Onions are very low in calories, with only 40 calories per 3.5 ounces (100 grams). By fresh weight, they are 89% water, 9% carbs, and 1.7% fiber, with tiny amounts of protein and fat.
- The sulfur compounds in onions cause us to cry when we chop them. But eating onion pakoda will definitely bring a smile to your face!
- It is believed that onion pakodas were first made in the South Indian state of Kerala.