spring onions

Spring onions, also known as scallions or green onions, are a mild onion variety that are used both as a vegetable and an herb in cooking. They consist of a white bulb at the base with long, green stalks that are both edible. Here's how spring onions are used in cooking:

Salads: Spring onions are often chopped and added to salads for their crisp texture and mild onion flavor. They complement a wide range of salad ingredients and dressings.

Garnishes: The green parts of spring onions are frequently used as a fresh garnish on a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, grilled meats, and seafood, adding a burst of color and a mild oniony flavor.

Stir-Fries: Spring onions are a common ingredient in stir-fries, where they're quickly cooked with other vegetables, meats, or tofu. They add a subtle depth of flavor and a slight crunch.

Dips and Sauces: Finely chopped spring onions are used in dips, salsas, and sauces, such as guacamole, salsa verde, and yogurt-based dips, providing a fresh, mild onion taste.

Marinades and Dressings: Spring onions can be included in marinades and salad dressings to add a subtle onion flavor without the overpowering bite of raw onions.

Omelets and Scrambled Eggs: Chopped spring onions are added to egg dishes like omelets, scrambled eggs, and frittatas, offering a mild, fresh flavor and a pop of color.

Sandwiches and Wraps: Spring onions are used in sandwiches and wraps, either raw or as part of a filling, to add crunch and a mild onion flavor without overwhelming other ingredients.

Grilled: The whole spring onion, including the bulb and the green part, can be grilled or charred, serving as a side dish or a component in salads and salsas, where they develop a sweeter, more mellow flavor.

Soups and Broths: Spring onions can be simmered in soups and broths to impart a gentle onion flavor. The green parts are often added towards the end of cooking or used as a garnish.

Pancakes and Fritters: In some cuisines, particularly Asian, spring onions are mixed into batter to make savory pancakes or fritters, such as scallion pancakes.

Potato Dishes: Spring onions are mixed into potato salads, mashed potatoes, and potato soups, providing a fresh, oniony flavor that complements the creaminess of the potatoes.

Baked Goods: Finely chopped spring onions can be added to breads, scones, and savory muffins to infuse them with a mild onion flavor.

Spring onions are valued for their versatility and ability to add both flavor and visual appeal to a wide range of dishes. They can be used raw for a crisp, fresh taste or cooked for a more mellow flavor. When using spring onions, both the white and green parts are typically used, though the white part has a slightly more intense flavor and is often cooked, while the green part is milder and can be used both cooked and raw.