When you find yourself staring at an empty vegetable basket and the craving for something spicy and delicious hits, there’s no need to panic! Pyaj Ki Sabji, or Onion Curry, is the perfect solution to your dilemma. This humble dish, made with nothing more than onions and a few basic spices, is packed with flavor and can be whipped up in minutes. Here’s why this dish is a lifesaver and how you can easily prepare it at home.
Why Pyaj Ki Sabji is a Go-To Dish
Onions are a kitchen staple, present in almost every household. If you’re out of other vegetables, Pyaj Ki Sabji comes to the rescue. It’s a versatile dish that can be served with rice, roti, or paratha, making it a great choice for any meal. The best part is that it requires minimal ingredients, yet the result is a tantalizing, spicy curry that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients Needed:
- Onions – 4-5 large, thinly sliced
- Tomato – 1 medium (optional, but adds a nice tang)
- Green chili – 1 or 2, chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
- Red chili powder – 1 tsp (adjust based on spice preference)
- Coriander powder – 1 tsp
- Garam masala – 1/2 tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Oil – 2 tbsp
- Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
- Curry leaves – a few (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves – for garnishing (optional)
Preparation Steps:
- Heat Oil in a Pan: Begin by heating oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. If you like an aromatic touch, add a few curry leaves as well.
- Sauté Onions: Once the cumin seeds splutter, add the sliced onions. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft, golden brown, and caramelized. This step is crucial as it adds a natural sweetness to balance the spices.
- Add Spices: Add ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilies to the onions. Fry for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears. Then, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Tomatoes (Optional): If you’re using tomatoes, add the chopped tomatoes at this stage. Let them cook down until soft, and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Simmer and Cook: Add a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) to create a semi-gravy consistency. Let it simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes. The onions will soak in the flavors, and the spices will blend together beautifully.
- Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle garam masala over the dish and give it a final stir. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and your Pyaj Ki Sabji is ready to serve.
How to Serve Pyaj Ki Sabji:
This spicy onion curry pairs wonderfully with roti, paratha, or rice. You can also serve it as a side dish with other lentils or curries for a complete meal. Its rich flavor makes it a perfect accompaniment to a simple meal when you want something a little extra.
Variations You Can Try:
- Add Vegetables: If you have any leftover vegetables, like potatoes or peas, feel free to throw them in with the onions for added texture and taste.
- Use Curd: A spoonful of yogurt can be added to give the dish a creamy texture and mellow the spices.
- Spicy Twist: For extra heat, add a bit of crushed black pepper or use spicy green chilies.
Final Thoughts:
Pyaj Ki Sabji is a dish that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a flavorful, satisfying meal. It’s spicy, savory, and the kind of dish that can bring comfort on a busy day. So, next time you’re short on vegetables, turn to Pyaj Ki Sabji, and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal with just onions and spices!
