Lacha Pyaaz or Pickled Onion Salad is a simple North Indian onion salad often served with kebabs, biryani, dal, or parathas. It’s tangy, lightly spicy, and adds crunch and freshness to rich dishes.
Servings 4servings
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Ingredients
2Red Onionslarge size
1tbspLemon juiceadjust as needed
1/2tspKashmiri Red Chili PowderKashmiri Red Chili Powder provides a deep red color with low heat.
1/2tspSaltadjust to taste
1tbspCilantro leaveschopped
1/4tspRoasted Cumin Powderoptional but recommended
1Green Chilifinely sliced, optional
1pinchChaat Masalaoptional
Method
Slice the onions thinly.
Cut into very thin rings or half-moons. The thinner, the better for that classic lachha (strand-like) texture.
Soak (optional but recommended)
Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness. Drain completely.
For a deep red color, soak the onion rings along with 2-3 slices of raw beetroot. The beet juice acts as a natural dye.
Season
Add salt and gently massage the onions for about 30 seconds. This softens them slightly and releases some juices.
Add flavor
Mix in lemon juice (or vinegar), chili powder, cumin powder, green chili, and chaat masala.
Finish
Toss in fresh cilantro. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.