Besan (also known as gram flour) is afine yellow flour made from chickpeas and is available from supermarkets and Asian food stores.
Ingredients:
scant 1 cup besan
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1tbsp chopped fresh mint
salt and pepper
4 tbsp strained plain yogurt
1/4 cup cold water
1 large onion, cut into fourths and thinly sliced
Vegetable oil for frying
fresh mint spigs, to garnish
Procedure:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Cook the bhajis until golden brown and cooked through, turning frequently.
4. Drain the bhajis thoroughly on paper towels and keep them warm while cooking the remainder in the same way.
5. Arrange the bhajis on a large serving plate and garnish with fresh mint sprigs Serve hot or warm.
