Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Pickled Pink

Once upon a time little pickled onions were served only in (North) Indian restaurants.
IMG_2851The “waiter” would thump a small bowl of vinegar onions on the table along with mango pickle and green chilies while you waited for the food to arrive. Smells wafting from the restaurant’s kitchen would drive you to an insane level of hunger and soon you would reach for a pink, pearly onion. You’d begin gently first, peeling the top leaf between your mouth. Tasting its subtle sweet flavor mixed with the sharpness of the vinegar.

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You’d involuntarily close one eye, while keeping the other (eye) on the rest of the pink beauties. The vinegar-onions would send the taste buds tickling and you would experience a sharp rise in appetite.

IMG_2849IMG_2840 The vinegar-pickled onions can play a starring role on your dinner buffet. Serve them with Butter Chicken or Matar Paneer and see how they orchestrate transformation on the table.

IMG_2822And while I was peeling these pearl onions for the pickle, the lush Cherry Belles on my kitchen counter also inspired me in a certain way.
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There is something exotic about these bright-skinned radish with white insides. I washed and snipped off the stems of a handful of these and dunked them in white vinegar too, with some green chilies.

IMG_2828 IMG_2826 Apart from the fact that they are pretty on the eye, they also add some bright, lively bite to the buffet.

Quick-pickled vegetables provide a zesty complement to salads and entrées. But you already knew that.
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12 comments:

Unknown said...

I'd like to admit that I can finish a bowls of this well before the food arrives...I have also been held responsible for embarrassing the family by asking for more of these babies:)

aipi said...

My hubby's fav..looks absolutely beautiful..nice captures!


US Masala

Satrupa said...

You reminded me of a long forgotten thing !! Luv the clicks

GB said...

Oh yes, we probably new that, but YOU my lady, specialize in taking the usual to a whole new level....may I tell you that my mouth is salivating just looking at the pictures?

GB said...

knew

Priya Suresh said...

Very fascinating pickled veggies..

Sudha said...

i love pickled veggies and can never run out of them at home :)

Anonymous said...

Oh man..Pree..dun do this to me...I have not had these in a while nw..actually love this pickled stuff with baby onions...best paired with green chutney..truly these are the USP of any muglai/Punjabi/Tandoor restaurant!

Home Cooked Oriya Food said...

yum... love it....

Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) said...

Hmmm..nice write up about a long forgotten (pickled) love!

Sound Horn Please said...

I can't believe you've made onions look SO gorgeous! I'm in awe of your photographing skills. Hats off!

notyet100 said...

u r so right ,even i look for onions first :-)