Onion ash: The perfect smoky garnish for any dish
What's the story
Onion ash is the new culinary trend, particularly for vegan chefs. How is it prepared? By burning onions until they turn black, and then grinding them into powder. This lends a subtle smoky flavor to dishes without overpowering them. This article shares five ways to incorporate onion ash into vegan meals, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
Soup garnish
Elevate your vegan soups
Adding a dash of onion ash to your beloved vegan soups will elevate both their visual appeal and flavor profile. Its smoky taste pairs especially well with creamy soups such as potato or pumpkin, introducing a surprising depth of flavor. And, you only need a tiny bit to create a big impression. This way, you can be sure that the soup's own subtle tastes are not overshadowed.
Patty seasoning
Boost plant-based burger patties
Adding onion ash to the seasoning blend for plant-based burger patties significantly amplifies their flavor. The umami-packed, smoky taste of onion ash boosts the meatiness of veggie burgers without any animal products. Stir in roughly one teaspoon of onion ash per pound of burger mix to create a deliciously rich flavor and darkened color that makes vegan burgers irresistible.
Cheese accent
Create artistic vegan cheese platters
Onion ash can add a touch of sophistication and a subtle smoky flavor to vegan cheese platters. By gently dusting pieces of soft vegan cheeses with onion ash or blending it into cashew cheese spreads, you create a striking visual contrast and a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with the nutty flavors of plant-based cheeses. This simple addition transforms a regular cheese platter into a gourmet experience.
Baking ingredient
Enhance vegan baking goods
Onion ash is a new vegan baking secret weapon, bringing depth to breads, crackers, and savory pastries. Just a teaspoon or two in your dough adds a subtle smokiness and a distinctive color twist. It works wonders in recipes where a hint of smoky flavor can transform everyday breads or scones into something extraordinary.
Sauce enhancement
Upgrade homemade vegan sauces
Adding just half a teaspoon of onion ash per cup of sauce can significantly enhance homemade vegan sauces like barbecue or teriyaki. This simple addition introduces complexity and enriches the flavor profile with minimal effort. It's perfect for drizzling over grilled vegetables or using as a marinade for tofu steaks, promising to add an extra dimension to any dish.