Onion Pakoda (Onion Pakora)

Growing up, this used to be one of my favorite snacks. It still is, for that matter. This snack is a roadside staple in Chennai! It is very easy and quick to prepare. I like the version with plenty of onions, nice and crispy with less flour. Try it out--this is the best rainy day snack ever.

Ingredients:

1 cup Gram flour Besan
1 cup Rice flour (for crispiness)
1 large red/yellow onion, cut into long stripes 1 tsp Red Chili powder
½ tsp Salt ½ cup hot oil
2 tbs roughly chopped cilantro 1 tbs water, if needed

Heat the ½ cup oil till it smokes.

In a large bowl, combine the onion, cilantro, salt and chili powder. Let it sit for about 15 min until the salt draws out the water from the onion. Add the rice flour, gram flour and 1tbs oil. Don’t add any water yet. Mix well to a moist cookie dough consistency. It must be moist, but not wet. Add some water if not.

Now scoop the dough with a spoon and drop it carefully into hot oil. Deep fry until browned. Drain in a paper towel lined plate. This is usually served with mint chutney or just on its own, as an accompaniment to coffee or tea.