Spicy Onion Rings Recipe – Indian Chaat Masala & Kashmiri Chili

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Onion Rings Recipe – Indian Chaat Masala & Kashmiri Chili

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful snack. And let me tell you, these spicy Indian onion rings are it. They’re a total game-changer – a little bit tangy, a little bit spicy, and seriously addictive. I first made these for a get-together with friends, and they disappeared in minutes! They’re so much more interesting than your average onion ring, thanks to the vibrant Indian spices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your typical deep-fried, bland onion rings. We’re taking things up a notch with a burst of Indian flavors! They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking time (basically just prep!). Plus, they’re naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them a crowd-pleaser for almost everyone. Seriously, who can resist crispy, spicy onion rings?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these beauties:

• 2 large red onions
• 1-2 tbsp chopped green chilies (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves (cilantro)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ½ tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• ½ tsp chaat masala
• ¼ tsp garam masala
• ¼ tsp black pepper powder
• ¼ tsp black salt (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk spices! Using good quality spices makes all the difference.

• Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: This is a must for that gorgeous color and mild heat. It’s not super spicy, but adds a beautiful vibrancy. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online.
• Chaat Masala: This is the magic ingredient! It’s a tangy, savory spice blend that gives these onion rings their signature Indian flavor. Every brand has a slightly different blend, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
• Black Salt (Kala Namak): This is optional, but highly recommended! It has a unique sulfurous aroma that adds a really interesting depth of flavor. It’s often used in Indian street food and gives these rings an authentic touch. If you can’t find it, regular salt works just fine.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, peel and thinly slice your red onions into roundels. Then, gently separate the layers into rings.
2. Now, this is a key step: soak those onion rings in ice-cold water for 5-7 minutes. This takes away some of the harshness and makes them extra crispy when you eat them.
3. Drain the water completely and pat the onion rings dry with a clean kitchen towel. You want them as dry as possible!
4. In a mixing bowl, add the Kashmiri red chili powder, chaat masala, garam masala, black pepper powder, and black salt (if you’re using it).
5. Add the chopped green chilies and cilantro to the bowl. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon.
6. Gently toss everything together until the onion rings are evenly coated with all those delicious spices. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
7. Serve immediately for the best crunch, or chill for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Expert Tips

• Crispy Onions: Make sure the onions are completely dry before adding the spices.
• Spice Level: Don’t be shy with the green chilies if you like it hot!
• Fresh is Best: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped cilantro really make a difference.

Variations

• Spice Level Adjustments: My family loves things spicy, so I often add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the green chilies.
• Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan – yay!
• Gluten-Free: These are naturally gluten-free too, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Street Food Style Adaptation: For a real street food vibe, sprinkle a little more chaat masala on top just before serving. My friend, Priya, swears by adding a tiny squeeze of tamarind chutney too!

Serving Suggestions

These spicy onion rings are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish with your favorite Indian meal. They’re amazing with a cup of chai or a cold beer. I love serving them with a side of mint-coriander chutney for dipping.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, these are best enjoyed fresh. But if you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. They will lose some of their crispness, but still taste delicious.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

• Can I make these ahead of time? You can slice the onions and mix the spices ahead of time, but don’t combine them until just before serving to keep them crispy.
• What is the best type of onion to use? Red onions are ideal because of their color and slightly sweeter flavor, but yellow onions will work in a pinch.
• What does black salt add to the flavor? Black salt adds a unique, savory, and slightly sulfurous flavor that elevates the overall taste.
• Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely! Adjust the amount of green chilies to your liking.
• How can I make these extra crispy? Ensuring the onions are completely dry before adding the spices is key. You can also lightly dust them with cornstarch before tossing with the spices.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how yours turn out!