Cooking

Cooking with Walking Onions

Walking Onions are a versatile and flavorful addition to your kitchen, and every part of the plant can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you're using the milder bulbils, the robust bulbs, or the tender greens, Walking Onions make a fantastic and sustainable crop to grow and enjoy year after year.

Parts of the Walking Onion Plant:

  • Bulbils: These small bulbs form at the top of the plant’s stalk and can be harvested to grow new plants or used in cooking. They have a flavor similar to regular onions but are milder and slightly sweeter. Use them in place of traditional onions in recipes like pickles, salads, or stir-fries.

  • Bulbs: The small underground bulbs are similar to regular onions but have a slightly stronger, more robust flavor. These can be harvested and used in soups, stews, roasted dishes, or sautéed as a topping for meats or vegetables.

  • Stems/Scapes: The green stalks of the Walking Onion are tender and mild, offering a fresh, oniony flavor. Chop them up to add to salads, pesto, or as a garnish for soups and other dishes.

  • Leaves: The edible leaves of the Walking Onion are similar to chives or green onions. They are best used in the spring before the plant begins to form bulbils. These tender leaves are perfect for garnishing dishes, adding flavor to omelets, or seasoning soups and sauces.

Cooking with Walking Onions:

  • Sautéed: Use the bulbs or bulbils in sautéed dishes like stir-fries, scrambled eggs, or grilled vegetables for a burst of onion flavor.

  • Pickled: The bulbils are fantastic for homemade pickles, offering a unique twist on traditional pickled onions that adds a zesty punch to your dishes.

  • Soups and Stews: Add chopped bulbs, scapes, or leaves to your favorite soups and stews for an extra layer of savory, rich flavor.

  • Salads and Garnishes: The tender green leaves and bulbils are ideal for sprinkling over fresh salads or using as a garnish for a variety of dishes, adding a mild oniony crunch.

  • Roasted or Grilled: Roast the bulbs with other vegetables or toss them on the grill for a smoky, caramelized flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the onions.

Storage Tips for Walking Onions:

  • Bulbs: Store in a cool, dry place, like a pantry, until you're ready to use them.

  • Greens: Keep fresh greens in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

  • Bulbils: Dry and store in a cool, dry place. If you plan to plant them, keep them in a dry container until the next planting season.

Flavor Pairings:

Walking Onions pair beautifully with potatoes, eggs, mushrooms, grilled meats, soft cheeses, and leafy greens. They are also a perfect match for savory dishes like soups, roasted vegetables, and pasta.

Can You Preserve Walking Onions?

Yes! You can preserve your Walking Onions by freezing chopped stems or drying bulbils for use as seasoning year-round. For a tangy twist, try pickling your bulbils!

Get Creative in the Kitchen!

Get creative in the kitchen and don't be afraid to experiment with different parts of the Walking Onion plant. From sautéing and pickling to adding them to soups or using them fresh in salads, there’s no limit to how you can enjoy this unique, homegrown ingredient. Stay tuned for new recipes and more cooking inspiration!

Cooking with Walking Onions:

Here are some delicious and creative ways to incorporate walking onions into your meals:

1. Pickled Walking Onions Bulbils

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup walking onion bulbils

  • 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)

  • 1 cup water

  • 2 tbsp sugar

  • 1 tbsp salt

  • 2 cloves garlic (optional)

  • 1 tsp peppercorns (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Place the bulbils in a jar or airtight container.

  2. In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and garlic. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.

  3. Pour the hot brine over the bulbils in the jar. Add peppercorns, if desired.

  4. Let the jar cool before sealing and refrigerating. Allow the flavors to meld for 2-3 days before enjoying.

2. Walking Onion Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup walking onion bulbs (chopped)

  • 1 cup walking onion leaves (chopped)

  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 potato, peeled and diced

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: a dash of cream for extra richness

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped walking onion bulbs and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

  2. Add the diced potato and broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

  3. Add the walking onion leaves and simmer for another 5 minutes.

  4. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of cream if desired. Serve hot.

3. Sautéed Walking Onion Bulbs and Scapes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup walking onion bulbs (sliced)

  • 1/2 cup walking onion scapes (chopped)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp thyme or rosemary

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bulbs and chopped scapes, and sauté until golden brown (about 5 minutes).

  2. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.

  3. Serve as a side dish or garnish for grilled meats or vegetables.

4. Grilled Walking Onion Bulbs

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup walking onion bulbs

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt, pepper, and lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Toss walking onion bulbs in olive oil, salt, and pepper.

  2. Preheat the grill to medium heat and place the bulbs on a grilling tray or skewer.

  3. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until the bulbs are slightly charred and tender.

  4. Squeeze lemon juice over the bulbs before serving.

5. Walking Onion Pesto

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup walking onion stems/scapes

  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 1/4 cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

  2. Drizzle olive oil while blending to reach the desired consistency.

  3. Use as a topping for pasta, grilled vegetables, or spread on sandwiches.

Tips for Cooking with Walking Onions:

  • Freshness is Key: For the best flavor, use walking onion parts while they’re fresh. The bulbils and bulbs have a mild flavor, while the scapes and leaves offer a fresh, green onion kick.

  • Versatility: Every part of the walking onion is edible and offers a distinct flavor, so experiment with combining them in various dishes.

  • Storage: If you have extra walking onion parts, consider storing them in the fridge or freezing them to preserve their flavor. Bulbils can be dried and stored in a cool, dry place for planting the next season.

Did You Know? Walking onions were once called ‘topsetting onions’ because they grow their next generation on top!

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