What are Baby Onions?

Baby Onions are actually immature onions of different varieties and range in sizes of around a little less or more than 1 inch diameter. They are planted densely so that they cannot grow to be more than that size. They can be yellow, red or white skinned but are all mildly flavoured. The inner flesh is whitish in all baby onions and is used in a range of recipes around the world.

It can be quite tricky to peel baby onions. An easy way to do so is to place the baby onions in boiling water for 2 minutes and then drain them. Transfer to cold water. Now cut off the roots of the cooled baby onions and pinch/ press lightly. The skin will come off easily.

Blanched baby onions

In order to blanch baby onions, first peel the baby onions. Keep water to boil in a stock pot. Once boiled, add the bbay onions to it and allow to cook for 4 to 5 minuutes or till required. Remove, drain and use as required. It is mainly used in making Indian subzis.

How to select

Choose baby onions that are dry, free from moisture and are firm to handle. The outer skin should be dry and shiny and should not show signs of soft spots and sprouting. That would denote that the baby onions will rot soon. Avoid baby onions with dirt, cuts and blemishes.

4 Uses of Baby Onions

1. Baby onions are widely used to make pickled onions which are made by soaking them in vinegar. Pickled onions go as an accompaniment to anything form Punjabi food to cheese boards and salad counters etc. These pickled onions can also be used in sandwiches.

2. Baby onions can be grilled whole or be used in barbecue preparations.

3. They are added to a number of rice preparations like Pearl Pulao where these onions are the hero of the dish.

4. They are also one of the main ingredients in south Indian preparations like Sambhar Rice.

How to store

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. If baby onions have been cut and need to be stored, place in plastic bags or zip lock bags and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Health Benefits

· Baby onions have anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties.
· Eating them regularly may help stabilize blood sugar levels and avoid risk of cardiovascular disorders.

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