Onion and Spinach Chilli Bites

In the Uk, these are known as Onion Bhajis. In South Africa they are usually just referred to as Chilli Bites, but are also called Bhajias. There are all types, some just with vegetables, but some also with meat of some kind. Onion Bhajis are perhaps the simplest Chilli Bites to make, and probably the best know to the British diner.

Ingredients:
25g spinach
1/2 inch of root ginger, peeled
1 clove garlic
1 green chilli, deseeded
1 large white onion, cut in half and sliced
100ml gram flour
2ml ground coriander
2ml salt
2ml chilli powder
2ml turmeric

Method:

In a mini blender, blend the spinach, ginger, garlic and chilli with about 50ml water to a rough paste. Put all the rest of the ingredients into a bowl and add the paste. If necessary, add more water to form a thick batter.

In a wide frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop in a nib of the mixture - it should sizzle to the surface quickly when the oil is hot enough. Reduce the heat and gently drop desert-spoonfuls of the mixture into the oil. Fry in batches until golden in colour, then remove from the oil and drain on kitchen paper.

When all the mixture has been fried, increase the heat and return the cooked chilli bites to the pan. Fry for a second time until crisp and golden brown. Remove from the oil, drain on kitchen paper and serve.