Onion Oorugai Recipe | Instant Vengaya Oorugai

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What is Onion Oorugai (Vengaya Oorugai)?

Onion Oorugai, also called Vengaya Oorugai, is a traditional South Indian instant pickle made with onions, tamarind, and spices. It’s tangy, spicy, and pairs perfectly with curd rice or sambar rice.  

How is Instant Vengaya Oorugai different from regular pickles?

Unlike traditional pickles that require fermentation, Instant Vengaya Oorugai can be prepared quickly and consumed the same day. What dishes pair best with Onion Oorugai? It’s a perfect side dish for curd rice, sambar rice, rasam rice, or even chapati.

Can I make this recipe without tamarind?

Yes, you can substitute tamarind with lemon juice for tanginess, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Is Vengaya Oorugai spicy?

Yes, it has a spicy kick from red chillies and mustard seeds, but you can adjust spice levels to taste.

Can I use small onions (shallots) instead of regular onions?

Absolutely! Small onions (sambar onions) give a more authentic flavor to the oorugai.  Is this recipe vegan? Yes, Onion Oorugai is completely plant‑based and suitable for a vegan diet.

 

 

Can I store Onion Oorugai for longer?

For a longer shelf life, you can add extra oil and salt

Pulse or grind small onion?

Always pulse or bring onions only after they are completely cool.  I prefer pulsing as it gives a perfect texture for the grand sweets onion thokku. You can even grind onions and prepare thokku. Avoid adding water while grinding

Can I add red chilli instead of chilli powder?

Yes, you can saute red chilli along with onions, pulse, and prepare vengaya oorugai. I would recommend regular chilli powder as it gives perfect color and spice for vengaya urugai. Amount of oil: You can reduce the oil and prepare vengayam thokku, but it might alter the onion pickle taste and texture. Thokku prepared with excess oil tastes best and stays for a longer time. 

Shelf life of Onion pickle?

After the pickle is completely cool, store it in a glass/ pickle container. Always use a clean, dry spoon. Pickle stays good for months in the fridge and up to one week at room temperature. Avoid plastic containers for storing pickles. pickle tastes best after a few hours. Onion oorugai prepared with less oil won't stay fresh for a long time.

Can I skip the steam cook?

Steam-cooked onions help with faster cooking. If you are planning to skip this step, saute tomatoes till they turn mushy, then prepare vengaya thokku with whole garlic. I like the texture of whole garlic in onion garlic pickle. You can also finely or roughly chop garlic.

Why Kashmiri chilli powder for the South Indian pickle variety?

Kashmiri chilli powder gives amazing color to the thakkali oorugai. Kashmiri chilli powder is not as spicy as regular chilli powder. Adjust the chilli powder according to your taste.

Can I reduce oil?

For the best pickle taste, I would recommend the quantity of oil mentioned in the post. You can reduce the oil, but the tomato pickle taste might vary accordingly.

# Onion Oorugai Recipe | Instant Vengaya Oorugai

A quick and tangy **South Indian pickle recipe** made with onions, tamarind, and aromatic spices. This **Instant Vengaya Oorugai** is ready in minutes and pairs perfectly with curd rice, sambar rice, or rasam rice.

## Ingredients

### To Steam
- 3 big onions
- Small piece of tamarind
- 5 green chillies

### To Roast
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

### Temper
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Curry leaves – a few
- 1 teaspoon asafoetida

For the Pickle
- 2 tablespoon Kashmiri chilli powder (heaped)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 tablespoon sesame oil

 

## Instructions (Step-by-Step)

- Steam cook the ingredients under “To Steam” for 10 minutes. Turn off the stove, cool, and pulse.

- Roast the ingredients under “To Roast,” cool, and powder.

- Heat sesame oil in a wide heavy‑bottomed pan.

- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

- Add asafoetida, garlic, and curry leaves; roast until golden brown.

 

- Reduce to low flame.
- Add Kashmiri chilli powder and mix quickly.

- Add the pulsed onion mixture and 2 tablespoon sesame oil; mix well.

 

- Increase flame to medium and cook until the thokku comes together.

- Add salt and the ground roasted spice powder; mix well.

- Cook until the thokku reaches **oorugai consistency** and oil oozes out around the pan.

- Cool and store in an airtight glass container.

## Serving Suggestion
Serve this **Instant Onion Oorugai** with curd rice, sambar rice, rasam rice, or chapati. Store in a clean, dry glass jar for freshness. Pickle stays good for months in the fridge and up to one week at room temperature.