Sirke Wale Pyaaz
Tangy, lightly sweet pickled onions that bring crunch and brightness to rich Indian meals. They come together quickly with onion, vinegar, beetroot and a few simple pantry staples.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~4 min
Peel and cut the onions.
1.Peel the onions and trim the root ends lightly so the layers stay together.2.Cut each onion into halves or thick petals, depending on the shape you like.3.Place the onion pieces in a clean bowl or glass jar. - boil · ~5 min
Make the pickling liquid.
1.Add water, vinegar, beetroot, sugar and salt to a small pan.2.Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.3.Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the beetroot lightly colors the liquid.TIPDo not boil too long or the vinegar can taste harsh and the color may turn dull. - assemble
Pour the liquid over the onions.
Take the pan off the heat and let the liquid cool for 2 minutes. Pour the warm pickling liquid along with the beetroot slices over the onions so they are mostly covered.
- rest · ~30 min
Rest the onions until lightly pickled.
Cover and let the onions sit for at least 30 minutes so they soften slightly and turn pink. For a deeper flavor, chill for 2 to 3 hours before serving.
- serve
Serve the sirke wale pyaaz.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Trim the root end very lightly so the onion petals stay attached and look like classic dhaba-style sirke wale pyaaz.
- 2Use a glass jar or ceramic bowl; vinegar can react with some metals and affect the pickle's taste.
- 3Pour the brine while warm, not piping hot, so the onions soften slightly but still keep their crunch.
- 4Make sure the onions are mostly submerged in the pickling liquid for even color and balanced tang.
- 5For a brighter pink shade, tuck the beetroot slices between the onion layers before resting.
- 6These taste best after 2 to 3 hours in the fridge, when the sharp onion bite mellows and the vinegar settles.
- 7Store refrigerated and use a clean dry spoon each time to keep the pickled onions fresh longer.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add slit green chilies to the jar for a sharper, more dhaba-style heat that pairs well with kebabs and rich curries.
jaggery sweetenedJaggery-sweetened
Swap the sugar for a little jaggery for a rounder, deeper sweetness that complements smoky tandoori dishes.
salad styleSalad-style
Slice the onions into thin rings instead of petals if you want a quicker pickle for wraps, rolls, and chaat.
masalaMasala
Add a pinch of roasted cumin powder and black salt after cooling for a chaat-like flavour twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Digestive Contrast
The sharp vinegar and onion combination can act as a refreshing, palate-cleansing side with rich North Indian meals.
Vegetable-Based Condiment
Made mainly from onion and beetroot, this condiment adds flavor and crunch without relying on heavy sauces or fats.
Naturally Colorful
Beetroot brings natural color and plant compounds, making the pickle visually appealing without artificial coloring.
Frequently asked questions
They need at least 30 minutes to lightly pickle, but 2 to 3 hours in the fridge gives better color and a more balanced tang.
