Introduction
Did you ever dunk your hand into a salad and think: ‘Where’s the crunch?’ If you did, you might want to consider throwing some onion crisps into your next bowl, or bucket. It’s all down to the details, so tighten your shirts and prepare to nose-dive to get a crisp point-of-view.
What are Onion Crisps?
Onion crisps. These are A-HILL-AA-RIT-YUM. Red onions, sliced thinly, then crisped up and put on anything you want to add a slight crunch and spiciness to. Not mushy, but definitely not raw.
The Making of Onion Crisps
While onion crisps are conventionally fried, you can swap out fried onions for these freeze-dried remnants almost guilt-free. Just as delicious, but much healthier.
Types of Onion Crisps
And those are only the familiar varieties; there are white and yellow onions with a mild flavour, and red onions that scream ‘Here I am!’, depending on the flavour profile you’re shooting for.
The Bold Flavor Profile
Taste Explosion in Every Bite
The crunch is one thing, but that little hint of onion brings your mouth to day 2.2. Onion crisps up the game so much so that plain salad can be foodie food.
A Fusion of Sweet and Savory
It’s because, raw or crisped, onions are naturally sweet in the sub-hdg (deeply hidden part) so their own in-built pungency is set against the sweetness to make for a much more complex, sweet-savoury composite in salads.
Benefits of Using Onion Crisps in Salads
Textural Delight
A salad doesn’t always have that textural contrast that’s missing in your salad, and the onion crisp gives that crunchiness that you’re missing out on. It’s just a nicer mouthful.
Rich in Nutrients
And, not only do you get the bio-active fibre in garlic and the vitamin C in onions, but add-on onion crisps and get the added antioxidants as well.
Longer Shelf Life
The freeze-dried version is an easy way to sneak another bag into your cart: not only are the freeze-dried onions not perishable, you’ll never be caught without the ingredient.
Making Freeze-Dried Onion Crisps at Home
Steps to Follow
Slice onions thinly.
Spread them out on a freeze-drying tray.
Run them through a freeze-dryer cycle.
Store in an airtight container.
Tips for the Best Outcome
Be sure your onions are fresh and choose a variety that slices into rings the same thickness; this will all bake to perfection at the same time. Make sure to spread the onions out on your tray – don’t crowd them as they will crisp unevenly.
Popular Salads Featuring Onion Crisps
Caesar Salad Twist: Classic Caesar with a sprinkle of onion crisps.
Mediterranean Delight: Feta, olives, cucumber, and onion crisps.
Asian Fusion: Mix in onion crisps with an Asian-inspired vinaigrette.
Conclusion
Onion crisps are the dark horses of the salad world. So forthright and huge in flavour (and crunch!), putting them into a mound of greens takes the salad from humble accompaniment to headline act. Buy them or make them!
FAQs
Can I make onion crisps without a freeze-dryer?
Yes, you can also oven-bake or fry them, but freeze-drying retains more nutrients.
How long do freeze-dried onion crisps last?
Stored properly, they can last for months without losing their flavor or crunch.
Can I use other varieties of onions?
Absolutely! Each variety will bring its unique flavor.
Do onion crisps lose their nutritional value when freeze-dried?
So while some value is lost, that still makes freeze-drying one of the best ways of keeping foods nutritious.
Can onion crisps be rehydrated?
Yes, but they’re best enjoyed in their crispy form in salads.