Sirka Onion
Crisp, tangy pickled onions, a staple in North Indian restaurants. These vibrant rings add a refreshing crunch and zesty flavor to rich curries and grilled meats, ready in under an hour.
For 4 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Crisp the Onions
- b.Peel the red onions and slice them into thin rings. Separate the rings with your fingers.
- c.Place the onion rings in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Add the ice cubes.
- d.Let the onions soak in the ice water for 15-20 minutes. This crucial step removes their pungent bite and makes them exceptionally crisp.
- e.After soaking, drain the onions thoroughly in a colander and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Pickling Brine
- b.In a clean glass jar or a non-reactive bowl, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
- c.Stir vigorously with a spoon until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Pickle
- b.Add the drained onion rings, slit green chillies, and the small piece of beetroot to the jar with the pickling brine.
- c.Gently stir or shake the sealed jar to ensure all the onion rings are submerged and coated in the liquid.
- d.Seal the jar and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. For a deeper pink hue and more developed flavor, refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Once pickled to your liking, remove the beetroot piece (if used) to prevent the color from becoming too dark.
- c.Serve the chilled Sirka Onions as a refreshing condiment with tandoori dishes, curries, biryanis, or dal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use a glass jar for pickling, as vinegar can react with metal or plastic containers.
- 2The ice water bath is the secret to achieving that signature restaurant-style crunch.
- 3For a less sharp taste, you can briefly blanch the onion rings in hot water for 30 seconds before the ice bath.
- 4The pickling liquid can be reused once. Simply add freshly sliced onions to the leftover brine.
- 5Ensure the onions are fully submerged in the brine for even pickling and preservation.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced Sirka Onion
Add 4-5 whole black peppercorns, 2 cloves, and 1 small bay leaf to the pickling liquid for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Different VinegarsDifferent Vinegars
Substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a fruitier, milder tang or red wine vinegar for a deeper flavor.
Garlic & Ginger InfusionGarlic & Ginger Infusion
Add a few thin slices of fresh ginger and a lightly crushed garlic clove to the brine for an extra layer of flavor.
No Sugar VersionNo Sugar Version
For a purely tangy taste, you can omit the sugar entirely. The recipe will be just as delicious.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Red onions are packed with antioxidants like quercetin and anthocyanins, which help combat inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Supports Gut Health
The vinegar used in pickling can promote the growth of good gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion and overall wellness.
Low in Calories
As a condiment made primarily from vegetables and vinegar, Sirka Onion is extremely low in calories and fat, making it a great way to add flavor without compromising health goals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a healthy condiment. Onions are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. The pickling process in vinegar makes it a low-calorie, low-fat accompaniment that can also introduce beneficial probiotics, aiding in digestion.