Lacha Pyaz Recipe – Masala Pickled Onions
Description:
The Lacha Pyaz Recipe – Pickled Onions is a simple yet flavorful North Indian side dish that brings a delightful crunch and tang to any meal. This recipe involves soaking thinly sliced onions in a tangy lemon solution with a touch of black salt, allowing the onions to absorb the flavors and soften slightly. Whether you go for the plain or masala version, these pickled onions are a perfect accompaniment to spicy curries, grilled dishes, or even as a side for flatbreads.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For Plain Lacha Pyaz (Pickled Onions):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions | 2, cut into thin rings |
| Lemon | 1, juice extracted |
| Black Salt (Kala Namak) | As required |
For Masala Lacha Pyaz (Pickled Onions):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions | 2, cut into thin rings |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lemon | 1, juice extracted |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including resting time)
Instructions
Plain Lacha Pyaz (Pickled Onions):
- Begin by preparing the plain pickled onions. In a mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced onion rings.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the onions and sprinkle black salt to taste.
- Gently toss the onions, ensuring they are evenly coated with the lemon juice and salt.
- Cover the bowl and allow the onions to rest at room temperature for about an hour. This resting period allows the onions to absorb the tangy lemon flavor and soften slightly.
- After an hour, your simple Lacha Pyaz is ready to be served as a refreshing side dish.
Masala Lacha Pyaz (Pickled Onions):
- To prepare the masala pickled onions, start by adding the sliced onion rings to a mixing bowl.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the onions. Then, add red chilli powder, chaat masala powder, and salt to taste.
- Mix everything together until the onions are evenly coated with the spices and lemon juice.
- Cover the bowl and allow the onions to rest for about an hour. The spices will infuse into the onions, creating a flavorful and tangy accompaniment.
- Once the onions have rested, the masala pickled onions are ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions:
Lacha Pyaz, whether plain or masala, makes for a fantastic side dish to complement a wide range of North Indian dishes. Try serving it with:
- Smoked Tandoori Paneer Tikka
- Smoked Dal Makhani Dhaba Style
- Pudina Tawa Paratha
These pickled onions add a zesty, tangy punch that enhances the flavors of rich, savory dishes. Enjoy this refreshing accompaniment with your next meal!
Tips:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer your masala pickled onions to be spicier, feel free to increase the amount of red chili powder or even add a pinch of black pepper for an extra kick.
- Resting Time: The longer the onions rest in the lemon juice, the more pronounced the flavors will be. However, even after just 30 minutes, the pickled onions will still have a wonderful tang.
- Customize the Flavor: You can experiment with additional spices, such as roasted cumin powder or a touch of sugar for a balanced sweet-sour flavor.
This simple and versatile recipe for Lacha Pyaz – Pickled Onions is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, offering a burst of flavor thatβs easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.
