Recipes

The Nutritional Treasure of Onion Peels: 5 Creative Ways to Incorporate Them into Your Meals

Onions are a culinary staple, used daily in countless dishes across our kitchens. Considering the global consumption of onions, it’s astounding to think about the sheer amount of onion peels we throw away. However, you’ll be surprised to learn that these seemingly useless skins are, in fact, a nutritional goldmine! According to research, onion peels might even be more nutritious than the onion itself.

These peels are abundant in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and heart-friendly flavonoids. They are believed to strengthen the immune system, promote cardiac health, and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Shilpa Arora, a health practitioner, nutritionist, and macrobiotic health coach, notes, “Generally, the skin of almost all fruits and vegetables is packed with nutrients. Onion skins are no exception and offer numerous health benefits. However, if you’re looking to include onion skins in your diet, ensure the onions are organic and sourced from a trustworthy vendor that assures they are free from pesticides and chemical treatments.”

5 Creative Ways to Use Onion Skins in Your Meals:

  1. Enhance Soups and Stews: While boiling soups or stews, throw in some onion skins. Not only will they thicken the broth, but they will also lend it a beautiful purple hue. Just remember to remove the skins after boiling.
  2. Add a Smoky Touch: Smoked spices can elevate a dish’s flavor. You can create an ‘onion ash’ by roasting the skins in the oven until they darken. Then, grind them to a fine powder and use as a seasoning.
  3. Onion Skin Tea: Besides being relaxing, this brew boosts the immune system. Add onion peels to a cup of hot water along with your favorite tea leaves. After steeping, strain and enjoy.
  4. Onion Peel Infused Water: Onion skins might offer anti-inflammatory properties and help alleviate muscle cramps. Soak the skins in a glass of water for around 15 minutes, remove, and savor this refreshing drink.
  5. Add an Extra Flair to Rice: Whether it’s biryani, pulao, or any spiced rice, cooking the rice with a few onion skins imparts a mildly bitter flavor. Don’t forget to remove the skins before serving.

Next time you’re prepping onions, think twice before discarding those precious peels!

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