Sweet Vidalia Onion Dip & Pickled Onions Recipes

Vidalia Onion Health Benefits

Sweet onions are aromatic root vegetables that come in many different types and have a similar flavor profile to garlic or chives. They are rich in vitamin C, chromium, folate, and fiber. These nutrients many people fall short of getting daily. The sweet onion is not as acidic as its relatives, therefore making the taste mild and sweet. Because it is not as pungent in flavor, the sweet onion is a great nutrient-dense food to incorporate into the diets of both adults and kids alike.

NOTABLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF ONIONS:

• Improves Gut Health and Digestion
  Since there is a gut-brain connection, the feelings of stress or anxiety can negatively impact your GI tract and digestion. It is therefore essential that we focus on consuming foods that will keep our gut healthy and digestion running smoothly. Both raw and cooked onions are a prebiotic fiber, meaning they are able to feed and support the live probiotic bacteria that keep your gut and digestion working efficiently.

• Maintains Strong Bones
  Research has shown that onions may help keep bones strong, as the high vitamin C content in this root veggie improves the absorption of calcium –a mineral essential for increasing bone mass.

• Boosts Immune Systems
  Onions are packed with antioxidants, [such as vitamin C], that support the immune system by decreasing inflammation and fighting off free radicals that harm immune function. Eating foods that boost immunity seems to be especially important in today’s world.

• Regulates Blood Sugar
  The chromium found in onions has the ability to regulate blood sugar levels. This allows us to keep energy levels up when active, and aids in preventing those mid-afternoon crashes.

• Reduces Inflammation
  Whether you and your family are active adventurers or are healing from an injury, reducing inflammation can help repair and recover. Because onions are rich in anti-inflammatory properties, they make a beneficial addition to your dinner table.

Quick Pickled Vidalia Onions

Recipe: https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/quick-pickled-vidalia-onions/

Quick Pickled Vidalia Onions ~ this sweet onion refrigerator pickle takes just minutes to prepare, and you'll reap the rewards all summer long on all your favorite meals and Bbq’s! 

Prep Time 10 minutes

Yield 1-pint jar

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Vidalia onion

• 1 cup mild white vinegar

• 1/2 cup water

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 tsp pink peppercorns

• 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds

• 1 tsp coriander seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Peel and very thinly slice the onion. I like to use my mandoline slicer set on the 1/8 inch setting. If your rings are very large, you can slice them in half.

2. Heat the vinegar, water, and spices in a saucepan until it comes to a boil. Take off the heat and add the sliced onions, giving everything a stir to combine. Let sit for 5 minutes, then pack the onions into a wide mouthed pint sized mason jar. Pour the liquid, including spices, over the onions. Make sure the onions are completely submerged, if you need more liquid, add a bit more vinegar. Let cool, then cover and refrigerate. Plan to use within a month or so.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN ~

• Use any type of onion you like.

• Make it spicy by adding a sliced jalapeno, or 1/2 tsp dried red pepper flakes

• Fresh or dried hearbs

Sweet Vidalia Onion Dip

Recipe: https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/sweet-vidalia-onion-dip/

Sweet Vidalia Onion Dip is an easy hot appetizer. Everybody begs for the recipe! 

It's perfect for game nights, holiday entertaining, or just a romantic night in.

Course: Appetizer

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Yield 10 servings

Calories 289kcal

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Vidalia onion, anywhere from 10-12 ounces (any sweet onion variety will do)

• 1 scant cup mayonnaise

• 1 scant cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup shredded Grana Padano cheese, substitute good Parmesan or Romano

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

• 3/4 tsp salt

• lots of fresh cracked black pepper to taste

• 4 dashes hot sauce

• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Set the oven to 375F

2. Peel and slice the onion in half. Then slice it in half again, and cut 3 of the sections into very fine slices. Take the last piece and mince it. Put the onion in a bowl with the rest of the ingredients and mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

3. Spoon the mixture into an ovenproof casserole and bake for 25 minutes until browned and bubbly.

4. While the dip is baking, slice a baguette and place the slices on a hot grill pan to toast them on both sides. Serve with the hot dip.