Sambar Onion
Sambar Onion is a traditional vegetable, probably available in India and some parts of Asia. This can be called as Shallots as well.
In Tamil language, we call it as "Chinna Vengayam" as it is small when compared to the regular onion which we call as Big Onion.
Photo of onion skin peeled:
Sambar Onion whole/cut:
Usually these onions are used as a whole after removing the skin. This can be the main and only ingredient for Sambar and Kuzhambu. Some times we use this small onion and the regular/big onion to make non-veg dishes.
The cut size of the onion matters for some dish.
Below are few examples:
Image of chopped onions to make Kaadai fry:
Image of onion cut to make Prawn masala: Note the difference, it is almost like whole onion.
Popular dish where Sambar Onion is used:
As the name indicates, best for Sambar and Kuzhambu.
Spelling variations in Tamil name for Sambar Onion:
Chinna Vengayam, Chinna Venkayam