Lachha Pyaaz
Crisp, tangy onion rings tossed in a zesty mix of Indian spices and lemon juice. This simple North Indian salad is the perfect, refreshing accompaniment to rich curries and grilled meats, ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Onions
- b.Peel the red onions and slice them into thin, uniform rings, about 1/8-inch thick. A mandoline slicer works best for this.
- c.Gently separate the slices into individual rings and place them in a large bowl.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Soak for Crispness
- b.Add the ice cubes and cold water to the bowl, ensuring all onion rings are fully submerged.
- c.Let the onions soak for 10-15 minutes. This crucial step makes them incredibly crisp and mellows their sharp, pungent flavor.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Drain and Dry Thoroughly
- b.Drain the onions completely using a colander.
- c.Spread the onion rings on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them completely dry. Removing all excess moisture is key to preventing a watery salad.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Season and Toss
- b.Transfer the dry onion rings to a clean mixing bowl.
- c.Sprinkle with Kashmiri red chilli powder, chaat masala, salt, and the optional finely chopped green chilli.
- d.Pour the fresh lemon juice over the top.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve Immediately
- b.Gently toss everything together with your hands or two forks until the onion rings are evenly coated with the spices.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Serve immediately to enjoy the best crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly even rings, use a mandoline slicer. Be sure to use the hand guard for safety.
- 2Do not skip the ice water bath. It is the secret to crunchy, less pungent onions.
- 3Ensure the onions are completely dry before adding spices. Any residual water will make the salad soggy and dilute the flavors.
- 4Serve immediately. The salt will draw out moisture from the onions over time, causing them to lose their crispness.
- 5For a more authentic flavor, use a 50/50 mix of black salt (kala namak) and regular salt.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbaceous Twist
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint leaves along with the coriander for an extra layer of freshness.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
Add 1/2 teaspoon of roasted cumin powder (bhuna jeera) along with the other spices for a warm, smoky aroma.
Sweeter VersionSweeter Version
Add a pinch of powdered sugar to balance the tanginess of the lemon and the sharpness of the onions.
Pyaaz Tamatar SaladPyaaz-Tamatar Salad
Add 1 small tomato, deseeded and finely chopped, for a classic tomato and onion salad variation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Red onions are an excellent source of quercetin, a powerful flavonoid antioxidant that helps combat inflammation, reduce allergy symptoms, and support heart health.
Boosts Immunity
The combination of Vitamin C from fresh lemon juice and coriander, along with the beneficial compounds in onions, helps strengthen the immune system.
Aids Digestion
Onions are a source of prebiotic fiber, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria. The lemon juice and spices can also help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes.
Low in Calories
This salad is a flavorful and refreshing way to add texture and taste to your meal with very few calories, making it an excellent choice for weight management.
Frequently asked questions
Lachha Pyaaz is a popular North Indian side dish or salad made from thinly sliced onion rings (lachha means 'ring' or 'layer') that are soaked to become crisp and then tossed with lemon juice, salt, and various spices.