Lachedar Kakdi Pyaz Kachumber Recipe – Onion Cucumber Salad
Introduction:
Lachedar Kakdi Pyaz Kachumber, also known as Onion Cucumber Salad, is a vibrant and refreshing side dish from the heart of Indian cuisine. This delightful salad is an explosion of flavors with the perfect balance of crunch, tang, and spice. The word lachedar refers to the thin, noodle-like strips of cucumber, which, when combined with crisp onions, make for a textural marvel. Light and healthy, this salad is perfect as a side dish to complement any meal, especially when paired with Indian flatbreads, dals, or curries. The tangy, zesty dressing made with lemon juice, cumin powder, red chili powder, and chaat masala ties everything together, giving you a dish that is both refreshing and full of flavor.
Key Features:
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions | 2 (thin roundels) |
| Cucumbers | 2 (peeled and cut into thin strips) |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by peeling the onions and cutting them into thin roundels. Once cut, gently separate the onion rings. This step will ensure the onions remain light and easy to eat, rather than being large, chunky pieces. -
Slice the Cucumbers:
Peel the cucumbers and cut them vertically into halves. Then, slice them into thin strips, ensuring they resemble long, noodle-like strands. This is what gives the salad its “lachedar” texture. The cucumbers will absorb the dressing beautifully, making every bite crisp and refreshing. -
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, cumin powder, salt, red chili powder, and chaat masala powder. Stir well to ensure the spices dissolve evenly into the lemon juice, creating a smooth and tangy dressing. -
Toss the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers and onions. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together gently. Ensure the vegetables are well-coated with the dressing, and the flavors meld together. -
Serve:
Your Lachedar Kakdi Pyaz Kachumber is now ready to be served! This salad is best served fresh, allowing the crunch of the cucumbers and the zing of the onions to shine. Pair it with a traditional Indian meal, like Pudina Tawa Paratha, Tadkewali Masoor Dal, Achari Aloo Sabzi, and Methi Raita Flavored With Garlic for a complete, satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Lachedar Kakdi Pyaz Kachumber is an excellent accompaniment to a variety of Indian dishes. The refreshing crunch and zesty flavor of the salad balance out rich, spicy curries and rice dishes. Serve it alongside:
- Pudina Tawa Paratha – Soft, mint-flavored flatbreads that pair perfectly with any curry or dal.
- Tadkewali Masoor Dal – A mildly spiced red lentil dish with a delicious tempering of ghee, cumin, and garlic.
- Achari Aloo Sabzi – Spicy, tangy potatoes cooked with pickling spices for a zesty touch.
- Methi Raita Flavored With Garlic – A cooling yogurt-based dish with the earthy flavor of fenugreek and a hint of garlic.
Pro Tips:
-
Customization:
Feel free to add a few extra ingredients to elevate your salad. Chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, or even grated carrots can be added to introduce more color and variety to the dish. -
Chill for Enhanced Flavors:
Although this salad is best served immediately, allowing it to chill for 10-15 minutes before serving can help the flavors meld together more fully. -
For Extra Crunch:
If you enjoy a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle some roasted peanuts or cashews over the top just before serving.
Conclusion:
Lachedar Kakdi Pyaz Kachumber is a simple yet delicious salad that brings together the freshness of cucumbers and the sharp bite of onions, combined with a tangy and mildly spicy dressing. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a side dish to complement a larger meal, this salad is the perfect addition to your table. Enjoy the cooling, vibrant flavors of this classic Indian salad that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist!
