Minted Onion Bhajis

Besan (gram flour) is a fine yellow flour made from chickpeas and available in any Asian food stores. 

Scant 1 cup besan

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

¼ - ½ tsp ground coriander

¼ - ½ tsp ground cumin

1 tbsp chopped fresh mint

Salt and pepper

4 tbsp strained plain yogurt

Generous ¼ cup cold water

1 large onion, cut into fourths and thinly sliced

Vegetable oil, for frying fresh mint sprigs, to garnish

Place the besan in a bowl, then add the cayenne, coriander, cumin, and mint and season to taste with salt and pepper.  Stir in the yogurt, water, and sliced onion and mix well.

Fill a large, deep skillet one-third full of oil and heat until very hot.  Carefully drop heaped spoonfuls of the mixture, a few at a time, into the hot oil and use 2 forks to neaten the mixture into rough ball shapes.

Cook the bhajis until golden brown and cooked through, turning frequently.

Drain the bhajis thoroughly on paper towels and keep them warm while cooking the remainder in the same way.

Arrange the bhajis on a large severing plate and garnish with fresh mint springs.  Serve hot or warm.