Dried onion strips

What is the onion?

The onion is a herbaceous plant of the Amaryllidaceae family. This vegetable plant is cultivated for its leaves or for its bulbs used as vegetable or condiment. The bulb of the onion is large and round, sometimes it can be slightly flattened.

During the flowering, we note the appearance of small flowers of white and green color grouped in umbel.

David Vanille's choice: I have chosen to present you sliced onions grown in India. An essential product of Indian cuisine whose slightly spicy taste finds its place in many Western recipes. Easy to use, sliced onions can be used dehydrated in a little water or added sparingly to your dishes.

Harvesting the onion

The onion is an easy plant to grow. It adapts to both temperate and tropical climates. However, a better yield is noted in countries where the seasons are marked.

Onions can be planted in the fall or spring. The onion sprouts during cool periods and grows during warm periods. On average, 2 kilos of onions are harvested per m² of cultivated land.

Onions are ready to be harvested when their foliage is dry. It is important to dry them quickly to avoid rotting.

Did you know? there are over 1,000 varieties of onions!

The differences between onions and shallots

Although very similar, these two herbs differ in a few ways. The shallot has a stronger taste than the onion. It is also smaller.

The origins of the onion

The onion is an ancient plant whose first traces date back several thousand years in a region ranging from Palestine to India.

It is also represented on Egyptian tombs from the 5th dynasty. At that time, it was used as an offering to the dead and represented the solar resurrection.

The onion has been used by all great civilizations: Greeks, Romans, Gauls... At the beginning of the 9th century, Charlemagne recommended its consumption.

Did you know that? itis said that the moment the swallows leave indicates that it is time to plant onions, and that their return indicates the time of their harvest.

The onion today

Onions are grown in more than 88 million tons worldwide. China is the largest producer with over 22 million tons, followed closely by India with 19 million tons per year.

Did you know? in India, onions are an indicator of the country's economic situation. As the world's second largest producer, India has been hit hard by numerous floods that have had a negative impact on onion crops. In 2019, the damage caused to plantations has resulted in an increase in prices of up to 300%. The authorities have therefore decided to limit imports for a few months. The countries affected by these measures are mainly Asian.

How to use onions in cooking?

Onions can be eaten raw or cooked, sliced, powdered or minced. It can also be found whole and studded with cloves in certain simmered dishes or marinades.

Its spicy taste enhances cold preparations such as salads. Cooked, it can be found in many recipes: sauces, soups, pan-fried vegetables..

Onion strips can be used in many recipes. It is appreciated in tomatoes or cucumbers with vinaigrette and is also excellent on bruschettas. It can also be used in some mushroom or bell pepper fillings.

Our recipe ideas with onion strips

Would you like to try new recipes in which you can discover the full power of the flavours of sliced onion? Here is a menu that should please you.

The starter: Italian Bruschetta and onion strips

An Italian appetizer that seduces with its flavor. Here, minced onion and garlic enhance the taste of the tomato. Slice some slightly stale country bread. Prepare a flavored olive oil with onion semolina, garlic and basil. Brush your bread with the oil. Slice the tomatoes, garnish the bread and add a little onion semolina. Put under the grill. You can add a little goat cheese for a very pleasant cheese version.

The dish: Mushrooms stuffed with cheese

Choose large mushrooms to stuff. Remove the stems and clean them. Prepare a stuffing based on goat cheese, crushed and roasted pine nuts, salt, black pepper, garlic and sliced onion. Chop a few sprigs of chives. Put the stuffing in the fridge for 3 hours. Preheat your oven to 180°. Garnish your mushrooms with the stuffing. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Bake in the oven. A delight accompanied by brown rice.

The dessert: Onion tart

A recipe for lovers of savory desserts! Here, the sweet onion is stewed in brown beer and brown sugar. Thinly sliced onions are added sparingly to bring a little crunch and spice to your pie. Make a shortcrust pastry and bake it for 10 minutes. Add half a spoonful of sliced onions to the bottom of the pie and top with the onion compote. Beat two eggs with 20 cl of fresh cream. Cover the onions with the preparation. Season with pepper and salt and put in the oven.

How to keep the onion sliced ?

To keep all the crunchiness of your onions, I advise you to keep it in an airtight jar away from humidity and light.