Laccha pyaz step-by-step recipe with photos.
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About this recipe
Laccha pyaz is an Indian-style onion salad made using red onions, herbs, and a few spices. Lacha pyaz is served as an accompaniment to North Indian meals and is very flavorful and easy to make. It is also popularly called masala pyaz in dhabas or streetside eateries. They are also served with kebabs in Indian restaurants.
Crunchy onion rings tossed with spices and lemon juice is perfect to add extra punch to your food. This simple onion salad uses some basic ingredients and is ready in 5 minutes. This masala onion salad is gluten-free, vegan, and has no oil.
Not only is it great as an accompaniment, but I also like to add it to wraps, rolls, and burgers instead of plain onions. Read on for ingredients, steps, and useful tips to make this easy no-cook onion laccha salad.
Ingredients
Onion: Use red onions to make masala lachha pyaz.
Spices: I use chaat masala, Kashmiri chili powder, and Indian black salt (kala namak).
Herbs and other ingredients: Cilantro, mint leaves, lemon/lime juice, and green chilies.
Step-by-step instructions
Peel the onion and slice them into roundels (about ¼ inch thick). Separate the roundels and place them in a bowl.
Add water and ice cubes. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Drain all the water from it. Add the powdered spices - chili powder, chaat masala, black salt, and salt. Next, add green chili, lemon juice, mint leaves, and cilantro.
Mix them and serve.
Useful tips
Soaking the onions in ice-cold water not only helps reduce their pungency but also helps make the salad crunchy. Do not skip it.
Do not cut the onion into very thin slices as they will turn watery and the salad will not have the crunch.
It is best to serve this salad fresh as the onions will lose their crunch if stored for a long time. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and use them within the same day.
Serving Suggestions
This onion salad is perfect with most North Indian meals. Serve it alongside curries and naan or pair it with pulao, biryani, and raita for a wholesome meal. Not just with main meals, it can be served with appetizers and added to wraps and burgers.
Here are some delicious recipes for your inspiration.
Curries
Appetizer
Rice-based dishes
FAQs
Red onions work best for this salad.
Serve it alongside North Indian meals as an accompaniment. See the above section for more serving suggestions.
Bonus
This masala lacha pyaz is:
- very easy to make,
- no-cook and no-oil salad,
- great with North Indian meals and also wraps or burgers.
If you liked my recipe, please don't forget to give me a 5-star rating and leave a comment below.
Recipe card
Lachha Pyaz / Indian Onion Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion
- ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala
- ¼ teaspoon black salt optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 green chili finely chopped
- ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon cilantro finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon mint leaves
- A few ice cubes
- Cold water
Instructions
- Peel the onion and slice them into roundels (about ¼ inch thick). Separate the rings and place them in a bowl.
- Add water and ice cubes. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Drain all the water from the onions by placing them in a sieve. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add the spices (chili powder, chaat masala, and black salt), green chili, lemon juice, cilantro, mint leaves, and salt.
- Mix well and serve.
Sue says
This red onion salad looks so yummy, and I love the idea of using it on burgers and wraps. I've got an onion-obsessed friend who's going to go crazy for it!
Ksenia says
I made this using kashmiri chili powder, as specified, and I can't even express just how much flavor that added! I was skeptical about an onion salad, but I have to admit it worked really well with my salmon skewers and rice!
Sarah Walker Caron says
The combination of red onions and herbs must go spectacularly with North Indian dishes! I was surprised by the ice water step, but can't wait to see how it works in action.
Anne says
Delicious recipe! I love taking a basic veggie like onions and making it taste exciting.
Healing Tomato says
What an unbelievably delicious salad idea! Growing up, my grandma used to make this onion salad. So, I was so happy to make your recipe because it turned out just like how she used to make it. Put it on a paneer sandwich and it was super tasty!