Onion Palya (Vengaya Poriyal) Recipe: A Flavorful South Indian Side Dish
Onion Palya, also known as Vengaya Poriyal, is a delicious and aromatic South Indian side dish that’s made with onions, tomatoes, and an array of spices. It pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes like steamed rice, roti, and even as an accompaniment to a traditional South Indian meal. The key to its unique flavor lies in the balance of spices, including mustard seeds, cumin, and dry red chilies, along with the earthy taste of curry leaves and the freshness of mint.
Whether you’re new to South Indian cuisine or are looking to expand your repertoire, this recipe for Onion Palya is easy to prepare, healthy, and full of flavor. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions (thinly sliced) | 4 medium-sized |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 |
| Green Chillies (slit) | 2 |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) (chopped) | Small bunch |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by prepping all the ingredients for the Onion Palya. Slice the onions thinly, chop the tomato, slit the green chilies, and chop the mint leaves. Set everything aside.
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Heat the Oil: In a pan, heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil over medium heat.
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Temper the Spices: Add the mustard seeds to the hot oil and allow them to crackle. Once they pop, add the cumin seeds and dry red chilies. Let them roast for a few seconds to release their aroma.
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Add Curry Leaves and Onions: Stir in the curry leaves followed by the sliced onions and slit green chilies. Sauté everything on low to medium heat until the onions turn soft, tender, and lightly browned. This step should take about 5-6 minutes.
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Cook the Tomatoes: Once the onions have softened and browned, add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Allow them to cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften and break down.
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Spice it Up: Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the spices with the onions and tomatoes. Cover the pan and cook for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together into a masaledar (spicy) consistency.
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Finish with Mint: Once the dish reaches the desired consistency, you can optionally stir in the chopped mint leaves for a refreshing burst of flavor. You may also add coriander leaves for an additional layer of taste.
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Serve: Transfer the Onion Palya to a serving bowl and serve it hot. This dish pairs beautifully with hot steamed rice, Jolada Roti (sorghum flatbread), Beetroot Poriyal, Pasi Paruppu Masiyal (moong dal mash), and Vellarikka Kosumalli (cucumber salad) for a fulfilling South Indian meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Onion Palya
- Onion Texture: To achieve the perfect texture, sauté the onions until they are lightly golden. This ensures they are soft yet retain a slight bite.
- Adjust the Heat: Feel free to adjust the number of green chilies and dry red chilies based on your preference for spice.
- Mint and Coriander: The addition of fresh mint and coriander leaves gives the dish a vibrant, aromatic finish. Don’t skip this step for the best flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Onion Palya can be served as a side dish with rice and dal, roti, or even as an accompaniment to a larger South Indian feast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 1.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Fat | 3.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin A | 10% of DV |
| Vitamin C | 15% of DV |
| Calcium | 4% of DV |
| Iron | 6% of DV |
This Onion Palya is a perfect side dish that brings a rich combination of spices, tanginess from tomatoes, and the subtle sweetness of sautéed onions, making it an excellent addition to any South Indian meal. Its simplicity and fresh flavors ensure it’s not only delicious but also a nutritious choice for your family and guests. Enjoy!
