Spring Onions Overview
Spring onions, also known as scallions or green onions, are young onions harvested before the bulb fully develops. They feature a mild flavor, making them a popular ingredient in various cuisines worldwide. Both the green tops and the white bulbs are edible and used in a variety of dishes. Their vibrant color and fresh taste enhance salads, soups, stir-fries, and garnishes.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Nutrients: Spring onions are low in calories but rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals such as calcium and potassium.
- Antioxidant Properties: They contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Supports Digestion: The fiber in spring onions aids digestion and promotes gut health.
- Immune System Boost: High levels of vitamin C help strengthen the immune system.
- Heart Health: The sulfur compounds found in spring onions can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Nutritional Value (per 100g)
- Calories: 32 kcal
- Protein: 1.8g
- Carbohydrates: 7.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.6g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Vitamin A: 16% of RDI
- Vitamin C: 18% of RDI
- Vitamin K: 43% of RDI
- Calcium: 7% of RDI
How to Eat
Spring onions can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Raw: Use chopped spring onions in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish for soups.
- Cooked: Sauté or stir-fry with other vegetables or proteins for added flavor.
- Soups and Stews: Add them to enhance the flavor of broths and stews.
- Pickled: Make quick pickled spring onions to serve as a tangy side dish.
Indian Recipes
1. Spring Onion Paratha
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour: 2 cups
- Spring onions: 1 cup, finely chopped
- Green chilies: 1-2, chopped
- Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Water: as needed
- Ghee or oil: for cooking
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, chopped spring onions, green chilies, cumin seeds, and salt.
- Gradually add water to knead into a soft dough. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a circle.
- Heat a tawa or skillet and cook the parathas, applying ghee or oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve hot with yogurt or pickles.
2. Spring Onion and Potato Curry
Ingredients:
- Potatoes: 2 cups, diced
- Spring onions: 1 cup, chopped (both green and white parts)
- Tomato: 1, chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Red chili powder: 1 tsp
- Garam masala: 1 tsp
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh coriander: for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan; add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in turmeric, red chili powder, and salt; mix well.
- Add chopped tomatoes and spring onions; cook until potatoes are tender.
- Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
3. Spring Onion Raita
Ingredients:
- Yogurt: 2 cups
- Spring onions: 1 cup, finely chopped
- Cucumber: 1/2, grated
- Roasted cumin powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh coriander: for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
- Add chopped spring onions, grated cucumber, roasted cumin powder, and salt; mix well.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve chilled.
4. Spring Onion Soup
Ingredients:
- Spring onions: 2 cups, chopped
- Potato: 1, diced
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Cream: for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot; add chopped spring onions and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add diced potato and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with cream if desired.
5. Spring Onion Fritters
Ingredients:
- Gram flour (besan): 1 cup
- Spring onions: 1 cup, chopped
- Rice flour: 2 tbsp
- Green chilies: 1-2, chopped
- Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Water: as needed
- Oil: for frying
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, rice flour, chopped spring onions, green chilies, cumin seeds, and salt.
- Gradually add water to form a thick batter.
- Heat oil in a frying pan; drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown and crisp; drain on paper towels before serving.
Non-Indian Recipes
1. Spring Onion and Mushroom Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- Mushrooms: 250g, sliced
- Spring onions: 1 cup, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Soy sauce: 3 tbsp
- Sesame oil: 2 tbsp
- Pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a pan; add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned.
- Stir in chopped spring onions and soy sauce; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Season with pepper before serving.
2. Spring Onion Pancakes
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Boiling water: 1 cup
- Spring onions: 1 cup, finely chopped
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Oil: for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine flour and salt; gradually add boiling water, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead for a few minutes until smooth; let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide dough into balls and roll each into a thin circle; sprinkle chopped spring onions on top and roll up like a jelly roll.
- Flatten and roll again into a circle. Fry in oil until golden brown on both sides.
3. Spring Onion Salad
Ingredients:
- Spring onions: 2 cups, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber: 1, diced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Balsamic vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine chopped spring onions, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar; season with salt and pepper.
- Toss well and serve fresh.
4. Creamy Spring Onion Dip
Ingredients:
- Cream cheese: 200g, softened
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup
- Spring onions: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream; mix until smooth.
- Stir in chopped spring onions and garlic powder; season with salt and pepper.
- Chill before serving with crackers or vegetables.
5. Spring Onion Pasta
Ingredients:
- Pasta: 200g
- Spring onions: 1 cup, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil; add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add chopped spring onions and cook until soft.
- Toss in the cooked pasta; season with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese before serving.
Spring onions are a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with them in your cooking!