Laccha Pyaz, a popular accompaniment in Indian cuisine, is essentially a tangy and spicy onion salad often served with kebabs, biryanis, and various main courses. Its crisp texture and zesty flavor make it a delightful addition to any meal. If you’ve enjoyed Laccha Pyaz at a restaurant and want to recreate it at home, you’re in for a treat. Here are three delicious ways to make restaurant-style Laccha Pyaz at home, each with its unique twist to elevate your dining experience.

1. Classic Laccha Pyaz

A. Ingredients

• 3 large onions (red or white)
• 1-2 green chilies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste

B. Instructions

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves on top and give the salad a final toss. Serve immediately or chill for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. This classic Laccha Pyaz is perfect as a side dish or a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats.

Season the Salad: Add lemon juice, sugar, chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and salt to the onions. Toss everything together gently to ensure the onions are well-coated with the spices and seasoning.

Drain and Mix: After soaking, drain the onions and pat them dry with a paper towel. In a mixing bowl, combine the onions with sliced green chilies.

Soak the Onions: To remove some of the raw pungency from the onions and make them crispier, soak the sliced onions in a bowl of cold water with a pinch of salt for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps in reducing the sharpness of the onions and makes them crunchier.

Prepare the Onions: Peel and slice the onions into thin rings. To achieve the perfect Laccha Pyaz, the onion slices should be uniformly thin to ensure a consistent texture.

2. Spicy Laccha Pyaz with Pomegranate

A. Ingredients

• 3 large onions (red or white)
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or jaggery (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1 teaspoon black salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste

B. Instructions

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the spicy Laccha Pyaz immediately to enjoy its crunchy texture and vibrant flavors. It pairs wonderfully with kebabs, grilled chicken, or as a tangy side dish to any meal.

Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped mint leaves over the salad and give it a final toss. The mint adds a refreshing contrast to the spiciness and sweetness of the salad.

Season the Salad: Add lemon juice, honey or jaggery (if using), chaat masala, black salt, red chili powder, and salt to the bowl. Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring that the onions and pomegranate seeds are evenly coated with the spices.

Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced onions with finely chopped green chilies. Add pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness and color.

Prepare the Onions: Peel and slice the onions into thin rings. You can soak them in cold water with a pinch of salt, as described in the classic recipe, to reduce the raw bite if desired.

3. Tangy Laccha Pyaz with Apple

A. Ingredients

• 2 large onions (red or white)
• 1 medium apple (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith)
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste

B. Instructions

Serve Immediately: This tangy Laccha Pyaz with apple is best served fresh to enjoy the crispiness of the apples and onions. It makes a delightful side dish or a unique addition to a salad spread.

Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the salad and give it a final toss. The herbs add a fresh and aromatic touch that complements the tanginess of the salad.

Season the Salad: Add lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, roasted cumin powder, paprika, and salt to the bowl. Gently mix the ingredients, making sure the apples and onions are well-coated with the seasoning.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced onions and diced apple. Add the finely chopped green chilies for an extra kick.

Prepare the Onions and Apple: Peel and slice the onions into thin rings. Core and dice the apple into small cubes. For the best texture, try to match the size of the apple pieces with the onion rings.

Conclusion

Making restaurant-style Laccha Pyaz at home is a simple and rewarding way to elevate your meals with a tangy, spicy, and crunchy salad. Whether you opt for the classic version, the spicy variation with pomegranate, or the tangy apple-infused recipe, each method offers a unique flavor profile and texture that can enhance your dining experience.

By following these recipes, you can enjoy the freshness and vibrant flavors of Laccha Pyaz right from your kitchen. These salads are versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian fare, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Experiment with these recipes and find your favorite way to make Laccha Pyaz, adding a touch of restaurant-style flair to your home-cooked dishes.