Punjabi Piyaz – A Zesty Punjabi Onion Salad
Punjabi Piyaz, or the vibrant and spicy Punjabi Onion Salad, is a simple yet flavorful dish that forms a great accompaniment to any traditional Punjabi meal. Its piquant kick from fresh green chilies and tangy lemon juice, combined with the subtle heat of Kashmiri chili powder, makes this salad a truly refreshing and palate-cleansing treat. Perfect for a hot summer day or as a crunchy side dish to complement rich curries, this quick-to-prepare salad is packed with bold flavors that will surely excite your taste buds.
Ingredients for Punjabi Piyaz (Serves 6)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red onions, finely sliced in rings | 2 large onions |
| Fresh coriander, chopped | A large pinch |
| Green chili, chopped | 1 |
| Lemon | 1, freshly squeezed |
| Kashmiri chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Chaat masala (optional) | A pinch (optional) |
Instructions for Punjabi Piyaz
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Begin by placing the finely sliced red onions in a mixing bowl. The rings of red onion will offer a pleasant crunch, which is a hallmark of this refreshing salad.
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Add a generous pinch of fresh, chopped coriander to the onions. The earthy, citrus-like flavor of coriander complements the spiciness of the chili and the tang of lemon.
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Next, chop the green chili finely and add it to the bowl. For those who like it spicier, feel free to increase the amount of chili or choose a hotter variety to intensify the heat.
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Squeeze the juice from the lemon over the ingredients. The lemon not only adds a tangy punch but also helps mellow out the sharpness of the onions, balancing the overall flavors beautifully.
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Sprinkle in the Kashmiri chili powder for a hint of warmth and color. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the chili powder to suit your taste.
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Season the salad with salt to taste. You can also add chaat masala at this point, which will bring an additional layer of complexity and spice. Chaat masala is optional but highly recommended for its unique tangy flavor.
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Use your hands to gently toss everything together. This helps blend the ingredients evenly and releases the oils and juices from the onions, making the salad even more aromatic and flavorful.
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Serve immediately, or allow it to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. This salad can be paired with flatbreads like naan or roti, or even with spicy curries and rice.
Nutritional Information & Dietary Preferences
- Dietary Info: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Serves: 6
Allergen Information
- This dish is free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts. However, for those with sensitivities to chili, the green chili and Kashmiri chili powder may cause discomfort, so adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
Advice
Punjabi Piyaz is a versatile salad that can be customized to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a more subdued version, reduce the chili content or skip the chaat masala. On the other hand, if you’re craving a spicier version, increase the number of green chilies or use a hotter variety like Thai bird’s eye chili. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in the fridge for a day or two, although it will lose some of its crunchiness over time.
Conclusion
Punjabi Piyaz is the ultimate accompaniment to any spicy Punjabi feast, adding a fresh, zesty contrast to rich and heavy dishes. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your meal while satisfying your craving for spice. With its bold flavors and quick prep time, this salad is the perfect addition to any meal, bringing a delightful touch of authenticity to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re new to Punjabi cuisine or a seasoned fan, Punjabi Piyaz is sure to become a favorite!
