Sambar Onion

Sambar Onion (Shallots): Overview

Sambar onions, also known as shallots, are small, bulbous vegetables with a mild flavor, often used in Indian cooking. They belong to the Allium family and are characterized by their distinctive, layered structure. Sambar onions are commonly used in South Indian dishes, particularly in sambar, a popular lentil-based stew.

Health Benefits of Sambar Onion

1. Rich in Nutrients: High in vitamins A, C, and B6, and minerals such as potassium and manganese.
2. Antioxidant Properties: Contains flavonoids and sulfur compounds that help reduce oxidative stress.
3. Supports Digestive Health: High in dietary fiber, promoting gut health and regular digestion.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: May help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
5. Boosts Immune System: Contains compounds that can enhance immune function and protect against infections.

Nutritional Value of Sambar Onion (per 100g approx.)

• Calories: 72 kcal
• Protein: 2.0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16.8 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3.2 g
• Fats: 0.1 g
• Vitamins: A, C, B vitamins
• Minerals: Potassium, calcium, and iron

How to Eat Sambar Onion

Sambar onions can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Raw: Sliced in salads or as a garnish.
• Cooked: Sautéed, roasted, or added to curries and soups.
• Pickled: Can be pickled for a tangy flavor.

5 Indian Recipes Using Sambar Onion

1. Sambar

Ingredients:

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, etc.)
• 2-3 sambar onions (halved)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 tbsp sambar powder
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook Dal: Pressure cook toor dal with water until soft. Set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a pot, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add sambar onions, tomatoes, and mixed vegetables. Sauté for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Spices: Stir in turmeric powder, sambar powder, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
4. Combine: Add the cooked dal and water to achieve desired consistency. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Garnish: Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or idli.

2. Onion Uthappam

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dosa batter
• 2-3 sambar onions (finely chopped)
• 1 green chili (chopped)
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Heat Tava: Heat a non-stick tava or skillet and grease it lightly.
2. Prepare Batter: Pour a ladle of dosa batter and spread it into a thick circle.
3. Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped sambar onions and green chili on top. Add salt.
4. Cook: Drizzle oil around the edges. Cook until the bottom is golden brown.
5. Flip: Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with chutney.

3. Sambar Onion Chutney

Ingredients:

• 2-3 sambar onions (sautéed)
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté Ingredients: In a pan, heat oil and sauté sambar onions and dried red chilies until the onions are soft.
2. Blend: Transfer to a blender, add tamarind pulp and salt, and blend until smooth.
3. Serve: Serve as a side with dosa, idli, or rice.

4. Sambar Onion Curry

Ingredients:

• 200g sambar onions (peeled)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Heat Oil: In a pan, heat oil and add sambar onions. Sauté until they are slightly browned.
2. Add Tomatoes: Stir in ginger-garlic paste and chopped tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes soften.
3. Spice it Up: Add garam masala and salt. Cook for a few more minutes.
4. Serve: Serve hot with roti or rice.

5. Onion Pakora

Ingredients:

• 2-3 sambar onions (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup besan (gram flour)
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Make Batter: In a bowl, mix besan, red chili powder, and salt. Add enough water to make a thick batter.
2. Add Onions: Mix in thinly sliced sambar onions until well coated.
3. Heat Oil: In a frying pan, heat oil for deep frying.
4. Fry Pakoras: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
5. Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with chutney or ketchup.

5 Non-Indian Recipes Using Sambar Onion

1. Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 2-3 sambar onions (thinly sliced)
• 100g goat cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Caramelize Onions: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté sambar onions until caramelized (about 15-20 minutes).
3. Prepare Pastry: Roll out puff pastry on a baking sheet. Create a border by folding the edges.
4. Assemble Tart: Spread caramelized onions on the pastry, top with crumbled goat cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

2. French Onion Soup

Ingredients:

• 3-4 sambar onions (thinly sliced)
• 4 cups vegetable or beef broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 slices of baguette
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese (grated)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onions: In a pot, melt butter and sauté sambar onions until golden and caramelized.
2. Add Wine: Pour in white wine and cook for a few minutes until reduced.
3. Add Broth: Add broth and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Prepare Bread: Toast baguette slices and place on top of the soup.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheese on the bread and broil until bubbly. Serve hot.

3. Sambar Onion Salad

Ingredients:

• 2-3 sambar onions (sliced)
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• 1 tomato (diced)
• 1/4 cup olives (pitted and sliced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, combine sliced sambar onions, cucumber, tomato, and olives.
2. Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Dress Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
4. Serve: Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.

4. Stuffed Shallots

Ingredients:

• 12 sambar onions (peeled)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Prepare Onions: Cut the tops off sambar onions and scoop out some of the insides.
3. Make Filling: In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa/rice, feta cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff Onions: Stuff the mixture into each onion and place them in a baking dish.
5. Bake: Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes until tender. Serve warm.

5. Shallot and Mushroom Risotto

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2-3 sambar onions (finely chopped)
• 200g mushrooms (sliced)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: In a large pan, melt butter and sauté sambar onions and mushrooms until softened.
2. Add Rice: Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent.
3. Add Wine: Pour in white wine and cook until absorbed.
4. Add Broth Gradually: Add broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until absorbed. Repeat until rice is creamy and cooked.
5. Finish Risotto: Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

These recipes showcase the versatility and flavor of sambar onions in both Indian and non-Indian cuisines. Enjoy exploring their delicious potential!