master-cooks | The One Hack You Need To Peel Onions Faster And Easier

Peeling onions can often be a tear-inducing and time-consuming task in the kitchen, but there's a straightforward hack that can make the process much quicker and easier. Start by trimming both ends of the onion, slicing off just enough to remove the root and stem without cutting too deeply into the layers. Then, make a shallow incision along the side of the onion, following its natural curve. This cut should penetrate just the outer papery skin without slicing into the flesh. Once you've made this cut, gently peel back the skin from the onion, using your fingers to work beneath the layers. The skin should come off smoothly, leaving the onion intact and ready for chopping or slicing. This method reduces the time spent peeling each onion and minimizes the release of the compounds that cause irritation and tears. With this technique, you can prepare onions efficiently for any dish, saving you effort and making your cooking experience more enjoyable. Whether you're preparing a simple weeknight meal or a lavish dinner party, this onion-peeling hack will become an essential tool in your culinary arsenal.

What to do with your naked onions

This onion-peeling trick is much simpler than the traditional method of using your hands to strip away the skins, which often leads to frustration as they come off in tiny fragments. Additionally, this technique leaves you with a gleaming whole onion, free of its outer layers. A peeled onion serves as a versatile and handy foundation for many recipes. One popular way to enjoy a whole peeled onion is in a bloomin' onion, a deep-fried appetizer that is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor (just ask any fan of Outback Steakhouse). The onion is sliced into a flower shape, coated in batter, fried until crispy, and accompanied by a zesty dipping sauce.

You can also apply Ramos' suggestion to roast the onions whole. Just drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until they become tender and caramelized. This method truly enhances the onion's natural sweetness, making it a delightful side dish or a perfect pairing with roasted meats.

Put those peels and skins to use

This peeling technique allows you to keep the onion peels and skins mostly intact, making it simple to repurpose them. One of the best ways to utilize onion peels and skins is by infusing them into your homemade stock or broth, adding a rich allium flavor. Collect enough skins by storing them in a zip-top bag in the freezer, and then add them to your next batch of stock to steep. They contribute a wonderful depth of flavor and are easy to strain out afterward. Additionally, onion skins provide a boost of antioxidants and flavonoids.

You can also transform those leftover onion skins into homemade onion powder. Simply wash them and ensure they are thoroughly dried before crisping them in the oven until they become brittle. Once cooled, grind the dried skins in a spice grinder or blender until you achieve a fine powder. This finished product can be used as a seasoning for soups, roasted vegetables, or any dish where you would typically use onion powder. Onions are known for their versatility, and with Kate Ramos' peeling hack, the skins and peels can be utilized in even more creative ways.

The One Hack You Need To Peel Onions Faster And Easier

What to do with your naked onions

Put those peels and skins to use

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