Kathiyawadi Stuffed Onion with Spiced Gram Flour Filling

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Gujarati dish featuring onions stuffed with a flavorful spiced gram flour mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 27 minutes pairs peeled and halved large onions, gram flour (besan), finely chopped green chili for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 cup gram flour, 1 finely chopped green chili, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, and 3/4 tsp salt. Gradually add 1/2 cup water while stirring to form a thick batter. Mix in 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves.
  2. Step 2: Carefully separate the layers of each of the 4 peeled and halved large onions to create pockets. Stuff the batter evenly into the onion layers, pressing gently to fill.
  3. Step 3: Heat 4 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the stuffed onions flat side down and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes until the onions are tender and the stuffing is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and serve warm as a savory snack or side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Kathiyawadi Stuffed Onion with Spiced Gram Flour Filling take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Kathiyawadi Stuffed Onion with Spiced Gram Flour Filling?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep gram flour (besan) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kathiyawadi Stuffed Onion with Spiced Gram Flour Filling?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Kathiyawadi Stuffed Onion with Spiced Gram Flour Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Kathiyawadi Stuffed Onion with Spiced Gram Flour Filling?

Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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