Onion Chutney-Vengaya Chutney Recipe (for idli,dosa)

Onion chutney is a great accompaniment to idli, dosa, upma and even appams. It is very common in all South Indian homes. I make this onion chutney for dosas and idlis once in a week. I love this chutney even as a spread for sandwich.Though I have used pearl onions, you can use big onions also to prepare this chutney.

Onion chutney for dosa and idli

How to make onion chutney for dosa and idli

Prep time – under 15 mins
Cook time- under 15 mins
Serves -2

Ingredients needed 

Pearl onions/shallots -1 cup peeled
Red chillies – 4 (or as required)
Tamarind – small piece or 1/4 tsp tamarind paste
Oil – 1 tbsp
Salt as required

For the seasoning 

Mustard seeds -1 tsp
Urad dal – 2 tsp

Top up seasoning

Oil – 1 tsp
Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves – few

Method 

Heat a tbsp of oil, add mustard seeds, when it splutters, add urad dal and red chillies. Saute until dal turns light brown. Remove from oil. (in case if red chillies turn dark sooner, remove the chillies from oil first)

In the same oil, add pearl onions and saute until it turns pink. Switch off the flame, add the tamarind piece and saute in the heat of the pan itself for 2-3 seconds.

Leave it to cool. Then grind everything together to a smooth paste adding salt and a tbsp of water.

Remove from the blender, heat a tsp of oil, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, when mustard splutters, pour the seasoning over the chutney.

Note – Though you can use big onions, this chutney tastes great with pearl onions/shallots.

Variations – You can add a few curry leaves and a clove of garlic while frying the onions if preferred.

I will share with you few tips on  How to peel pearl onions easily –

1.Cut both the ends and soak them in just enough water for 2-3 hours. You can easily remove the skin after that.

2. Put them in boiling water for 2 minutes. Then drain the water and pour cold water on top of it to stop the cooking process. Cut the root end and squeeze. The onions will pop out of its skin.

Though I love this chutney very much, my kid’s always want my tomato chutney with garlic or instant tomato chutney or onion tomato chutney for idli and dosa.

Check out more side dishes for idli, dosa and pongal 

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