Masala Onion Rings, Without Maida | Sweet Chilli Sauce
Masala Onion Rings are a spicy, crispy twist on the classic snack—made without maida (refined flour) by using healthier alternatives like besan (gram flour) and rice flour. These rings are coated in a flavorful masala batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with a zesty homemade sweet chilli sauce, this dish combines crunch, spice, and a hint of sweetness—making it a perfect tea-time or party snack.
Ingredients
For Onion Rings
- Onion, large (प्याज़) – 5 nos
For Batter
- Besan (बेसन) – 1 cup
- Salt (नमक) – To Taste
- Red Chilli Powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर) – 2 tsp
- Turmeric Powder (हल्दी) – ½ tsp
- Cumin Powder (जीरा पाउडर) – 1 tsp
- Kasoori Methi (कसूरी मेथी) – ½ tsp
- Coriander, Chopped (धनिया) – handful
- Chaat Masala (चाट मसाला) – ½ tsp
- Water (पानी) – ¾ cup approx.
- Breadcrumbs, dried (ब्रेडक्रम्ब्स) – 2cups
- Oil (तेल) – to fry
For Sweet Chilli Sauce
- Water (पानी) – ⅓ cup
- Vinegar (सिरका) – ⅓ cup
- Sugar (चीनी) – ⅓ cup
- Chilli Flakes (चिली फ्लेक्स) – ½ tbsp
- Garlic, Chopped (लहसुन) – 1 tbsp
- Salt (नमक) – ¼ tsp
- Corn Starch (कॉर्नस्टार्च) – 1 tbsp
- Water (पानी) – 2 tbsp
Instructions
- We begin by choosing medium sized single eyed onions. Peel them nicely and then slice into 1-inch-thick rings. Once sliced remove the centre segments and remove only the outer ones. Separate the layers to have the rings prepped.
- To make the batter, take the besan in a bowl and add in the salt, red chilli powder, turmeric, cumin powder, kasoori Methi, chopped coriander and chaat masala. Mix the dry ingredients together and begin adding the water in batches, mixing as you add to avoid lumps and make a thick batter.
- Prep your station by keeping the batter, breadcrumbs and onion rings ready. First dip the rings in the batter, pull them out and allow the excess batter to flow out and then place them into the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle more breadcrumbs on them and press tight to make the breadcrumbs stick to the rings. Repeat this with all of the onion rings and keep aside.
- For frying the onion rings, heat oil in a kadhai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot added in the onion rings a few at a time and fry till a golden tint is achieved. Remove and rest for a minute over blotting paper or kitchen towel.You may sprinkle some chaat masala on the onion rings before serving. Enjoy!
For Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce
- To make the sweet chilli sauce, add the water island vinegar in a pan and turn on the heat on low to medium. Then add in the sugar, chilli flakes, garlic and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes. While it simmers, make a slurry of the cornstarch and water.Add the slurry into the pan a little by little to achieve slight thickness. Cook for another minute and then turn off the gas. Cool down before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Besan swells up over time and changes the consistency of the batter. So before frying check and correct the consistency of the batter.Fry at low to medium hot oil to keep the onions crispy for longer.Each chilli has its own spice level, taste, adjust & use in the recipe.In this recipe you can replace Besan (gram flour) with Maida (all-purpose flour)
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!