Onion bhajis

Onion bhajis seem to strike fear into many people, and they would only consider getting them as part of a take away - but they are simples ...
Onions
salt
Chili
Cumin
Bicarbonate of soda
Gram flour
Oil, for frying.

1.  Peel the onions and cut into fine(ish) half moons.  Shake the pieces apart into a big bowl.
2.  Sprinkle on salt, shake around - leave for about half an hour.  This will draw the liquid, and somehow, some of the bitterness from the onions.
3.  Sprinkle, and mix in, a pinch of chili flakes and of cumin seeds.
4.  Add a teaspoon of bicarb and mix quickly, it will start reacting with the liquid drawn our of the onions.  Add a few spoons of gram flour and mix until evenly distributed.
5.  Add a couple of spoonfuls of cold water, and mix to form a batter around the onions.
6.  Fry spoonfuls in oil.  Don't overcrowd the pan - fry in batches - drain the bhajis on kitchen towel and keep them warm in the oven until they're all done.