Is someone chopping onions? Oh, they actually are chopping onions…
Onions are a staple ingredient in kitchens across the globe, providing a flavourful foundation for countless dishes. However, it’s not uncommon to find yourself with an abundance of onions and wondering how to use them up before they go bad. Fear not, for here are seven great recipe ideas that showcase the versatility of onions and transform them into delicious culinary creations. With eyes stinging and streaming, let’s dive in.
French Onion Soup
A classic dish that truly celebrates the humble onion, French onion soup is a heart-warming delight perfect for cold winter evenings. Slowly caramelise thinly sliced onions in butter until they reach a deep golden brown colour. Add beef stock, a splash of white wine, and a bouquet garni, then simmer for about an hour. Serve topped with a toasted baguette slice smothered in melted Gruyère cheese for an indulgent touch. Delicious.
Pickled Onions
Pickling is a fantastic way to preserve onions and add a tangy twist to their flavour profile. Simply peel and blanch small onions or shallots, then pack them into sterilised jars.
Prepare a pickling solution using malt vinegar and sugar at a ratio of roughly 3:1 (though the balance here is, of course, a matter of personal preference), and pickling spices such as mustard seeds, cloves, and allspice berries. Pour the hot solution over the onions, seal the jars, and let them mature for at least a month before enjoying them alongside cold cuts, cheese, or a ploughman’s lunch.
Sausages With Onion Gravy
Elevate the humble banger and mash with a rich onion gravy that complements the sausages beautifully. Brown your favourite sausages in a pan, then set aside. In the same pan, cook thinly sliced onions until soft and caramelised. Stir in flour, followed by beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of ale or red wine. Return the sausages to the pan and simmer until cooked through. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Read: 6 IDEAL tips on how to make gravy
Caramelised Onion Quiche
A caramelised onion quiche is a delicious vegetarian option for lunch or dinner. Prepare a shortcrust pastry base and blind bake until lightly golden. Meanwhile, slowly caramelise thinly sliced onions in butter until soft and sweet. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, grated cheese, and seasoning. Spread the caramelised onions evenly across the pastry base, pour over the egg mixture, and bake until set and golden.
Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in a piquant vinaigrette to cut through the richer edges of the quiche. Heaven!
Onion Bhajis
These crispy Indian fritters are a wonderful way to use various amounts of bulk onions, and to showcase onions in a moreish snack or appetiser. Combine gram flour, spices (such as ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric), and thinly sliced onions in a bowl. Add water to create a thick batter that coats the onions.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan and carefully drop spoonfuls of the onion mixture into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, then drain on kitchen paper. Enjoy with a cooling mint yoghurt dip. An ice cold beer is pretty much obligatory here.
Onion Marmalade
Onion marmalade makes a scrumptious accompaniment to cheeses, cold meats, or even burgers. To make it, cook finely sliced red onions in olive oil until soft. Add sugar, balsamic vinegar, and red wine vinegar, and simmer until the onions are sticky and the liquid has reduced to a syrupy consistency. Allow to cool, then store in sterilised jars. This savoury-sweet condiment is sure to become a favourite in your pantry.
Stuffed Onions
For an impressive side dish or vegetarian main, try stuffed onions. Parboil whole peeled onions, then carefully hollow out the centres. Chop the removed onion and sauté with garlic, herbs, and your choice of filling, such as cooked rice, breadcrumbs, or minced meat. Stuff the mixture into the hollowed onions, top with grated cheese, and bake until tender and golden. The result is a delightful dish packed with flavour.
The Bottom Line
These seven great recipe ideas demonstrate that onions can be the star of the show, rather than just a supporting ingredient. Whether it’s in soups, pickles, or savoury treats, onions provide a depth of flavour that is hard to beat. So next time you find yourself with a surplus of onions, don’t despair – instead, get creative in the kitchen and whip up one of these delicious dishes.
