What kind of onions for dal?
I'm making dal for the first time and have all of the ingredients below, but I can't decide whether to use white, yellow (vidalia), or red onions. I have all three in stock.
Here are the other ingredients:
- 1/4 cup ghee
- 1 1/2 cups diced onions
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 jalapeno peppers, cored, seeded and minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 2 cups orange lentils
- 2 tablespoons ginger powder
- 2 tablespoons Garam Masala powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 3/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 8 cups chicken stock
Best Answer
It really doesn't matter, I have tried with all of them, and each one tastes differently. Even in India at different places people use different kind of onions, it is mostly driven by availability. The best way to check what you may like is by using different kinds of onions for the first 3 times you make it :). I personally like yellow ones, you can start with that one for the first time.
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What kind of onions are used in Indian food?
Red onions are almost a staple in South East Asian countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. These are regularly used in preparing the traditional curries. White onions, on the other hand, are always an essential in most French delicacies - the French Onion soup is one such dish.Which onion is good for Indian curry?
Yellow Onions These are the all-purpose onions, with a mildly sweet flavour but many don't prefer eating them raw. Used in preparing pretty much anything, yellow onions work really well in dishes that require long cooking times or as the base in curries, stews, soups, and they're great in meat dishes.Is there onion in Dal?
Dal fry is a delicious lentil recipe popular in India that is made with tur dal (pigeon pea lentils), onions, tomatoes and spices.What type of onion is best for cooking?
Yellow onions are your go-to cooking onions. This onion has yellow skin and a strong flavor due to its high sulphur content, which mellows out during cooking, becoming sweet and flavorful. Its ability to hold up to heat makes it great for caramelizing and roasting.Indian Dal Fry 5 Types | दाल फ्राई करे के पंच आसन तारिके | Chef Kunal Kapur Recipes
More answers regarding what kind of onions for dal?
Answer 2
My mum and I've always used red onions all our lives and everyone or a huge population in North India uses red onions. I have friends here in Australia from South India who I've seen using red onions as well when making dal. Having said that, I've also tried brown onions a few times and it doesn't make too much of a difference. And good luck with your first time making it :)
Answer 3
I would use either the white or the yellow; red onions have a milder flavour that might not stand up to the rest of the ingredients. But it's personal preference really.
Answer 4
@nico I grew up in India and can vouch for the fact that red onions are used for everything that requires onions. The other kind are spring onions/scallions. We don't get yellow, white, cipollini, etc. etc. And, the basic method for making dal is the same for all types of split lentils.
Answer 5
You should go for Red Onions. White onions are not used that much in India. Red Onions are used throughout India in every type of dish. I would suggest you can also add some Capsicum.
Answer 6
Red will be my choice ! red onions has a bit of sweet taste which will go with the recipe.
If it was spicy chicken curry (without dry fruits or nuts or cream), I would go for white.
Answer 7
There are so many recipes for making a dal and the type of onions do not matter. You can use any kind of onions and in fact you can prepare dal without onions too.
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