Published By: Soham Halder

Sabzi of the day: Level Up Your Cooking Game with These Must-Try Shallot Recipes

Who knew that a humble shallot is the secret ingredient you need in your kitchen?

When it comes to adding depth and complexity to your dishes, shallots are the ultimate culinary secret weapon. It is packed with a sweet, mild flavour, these small but mighty bulbs can transform your meals into gourmet delights. Here are three incredible shallot-based recipes that will elevate your cooking skills and tantalise your taste buds.

Rajasthani Shallot Masala Curry

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Shallots
  • Turmeric
  • Red chilli powder
  • Garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil
  • Mustard seeds
  • Cumin seeds
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Green chillies (slit)
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Tomato puree
  • Thick curd
  • Coriander powder
  • Kasuri Methi

Recipe

  • Peel and wash the shallots. Now, make a cross-cut on each and fill them with a mixture of turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt.
  • Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard and cumin seeds; let them splutter.
  • Add ginger-garlic paste and green chillies, cooking until aromatic. Toss in onions and cook until translucent.
  • Stir in tomato puree and salt, cooking until oil separates.
  • Mix curd with turmeric, red chilli, and coriander powder. Add to the pan, stirring well. Cook until the mixture thickens.
  • Add the stuffed shallots, mix gently, and pour in a cup of hot water. Let it simmer.
  • Finish with garam masala, kasuri methi, and a garnish of fresh coriander. Serve with roti, naan, or rice.

Credit: Ambika Shetty's Kitchen/YouTube

Shallots with Coconut and Tamarind

Cooking Time: 35 Minutes

Ingredients:

  • Coriander seeds
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chilli powder
  • Shallots (halved)
  • Salt
  • Turmeric
  • Tamarind paste
  • Nigella seeds
  • Curry leaves
  • Dried red chillies
  • Oil

Recipe

  • Toast coconut and coriander seeds until golden. Blend with chilli powder into a smooth paste using water.
  • Heat oil in a pan, add shallots and cook until browned and softened.
  • Season with salt and turmeric, then add ¼ cup water. Let it simmer.
  • Stir in the coconut paste and tamarind, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  • For tempering, heat oil and add nigella seeds, curry leaves, and red chillies. Pour this over the shallots for a flavourful finish. Serve with steamed rice or flatbreads.

Credit: veppumkudiyum/@instagram

Ulli Theeyal: Shallot Curry with Coconut

Cooking Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

  • Coconut oil
  • Coriander seeds
  • Red chillies
  • Pepper
  • Fenugreek seeds
  • Grated coconut
  • Mustard seeds
  • Asafoetida (Hing)
  • Curry leaves
  • Shallots (halved)
  • Salt
  • Turmeric
  • Tamarind extract
  • Jaggery
  • Water

Recipe

  • Roast coriander seeds, chillies, pepper, and fenugreek in coconut oil. Add coconut and roast until golden. Blend into a smooth paste with water.
  • Heat oil in a large pan. Add mustard seeds, fenugreek, asafoetida, and curry leaves.
  • Toss in shallots with salt and turmeric, sautéing until they shrink slightly.
  • Stir in tamarind extract, jaggery, and water. Boil for 10–15 minutes.
  • Add the coconut paste and mix well. Simmer until the curry thickens and the oil separates. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Credit: slurrpapp/@instagram

Cooking with shallots is about creating culinary magic. Whether you're craving something spicy, tangy, or creamy, these recipes showcase the versatility and charm of this humble ingredient.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab some shallots, and start cooking your way to gourmet perfection.