Step 1

Peel and finely slice the onions. Cut each slice into 3cm pieces. Put the onions in a bowl and sprinkle with the salt, mixing very well with clean hands. Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours. When ready to form the bhajis, squeeze the onions to release the water into the bowl. In the same bowl, add the remaining ingredients up to and including the chilli powder, and give everything a good stir.

Step 2

Now sift the gram flour over the onion mixture and mix well. There should be enough water released from the salted onions to form a batter that sticks the onions together. If too dry, add a drop of water. Mix in the rapeseed oil with your hands so that the onions are evenly coated.

Step 3

Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas Line a baking tray with a sheet of baking paper (do not use foil as the bhajis will stick to it). Using a spoon or clean hands, make 20 equal-sized onion balls and place them on the baking paper. Bake for 40 minutes or until nicely browned. Serve with a good chutney and/or raita.