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Crispy, golden-brown fried onions, known as Birista, are an essential garnish in Indian cuisine. Perfect for adding a sweet, savory crunch to biryanis, pulaos, curries, and haleem, this recipe guarantees perfectly caramelized, non-greasy results every time.
For 8 servings
Prepare the Onions
Heat the Oil
Fry the Onions in Batches
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Crispy, golden-brown fried onions, known as Birista, are an essential garnish in Indian cuisine. Perfect for adding a sweet, savory crunch to biryanis, pulaos, curries, and haleem, this recipe guarantees perfectly caramelized, non-greasy results every time.
This indian recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 8 servings. At 101.62 calories per serving with 1.1g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for .
Drain and Cool
Store
After frying and while they are still hot, sprinkle a pinch of red chili powder or chaat masala along with the salt for a spicy kick.
Instead of corn starch, you can toss the onions in a tablespoon of all-purpose flour (maida) or rice flour for a different kind of crisp texture.
Onions are an excellent source of antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which helps combat inflammation and fight free radicals in the body. Note that some nutrients may be diminished during frying.
Using flavorful garnishes like fried onions can enhance the taste of a dish, potentially reducing the need for excess salt to achieve a satisfying flavor profile.
Soggy onions are usually caused by two things: overcrowding the pan or not having the oil hot enough. Both issues lower the oil's temperature, causing the onions to absorb oil and steam rather than fry to a crisp.
While you can make a version in the air fryer, they won't be as uniformly crispy or have the same texture as deep-fried ones. To try, toss thinly sliced onions with a tablespoon of oil and air fry at 150°C (300°F), shaking every 5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Red onions are traditionally preferred for making birista as they have a slightly sweeter taste when caramelized. However, yellow or white onions also work well.
A 1/4 cup serving (about 25g) of these homemade fried onions contains approximately 70-80 calories, primarily from the absorbed oil.
Fried onions should be considered an indulgence or a garnish rather than a health food. While onions themselves have health benefits, the deep-frying process adds a significant amount of fat and calories. They are best enjoyed in moderation.
For long-term storage, ensure they are completely cool, then place them in a zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze. They will stay fresh for up to 6 months and don't need to be thawed before use.