| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 9g | 1.4g | 62g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 7g | 7g | 0.5g |
Had anyone told me years ago that one of my favorite recipes would be Vegetable based- Stir-Fried Egyptian Onions, I would have smiled politely, whilst contemplating their sanity. However, as time has passed, I’ve found myself frequently drawn back to this remarkable dish. Admittedly, it’s a departure from my roots in Southern cooking, yet it’s a delightful addition that represents the adventurous side of my culinary journey. You see, this seemingly simple recipe with onions that trace their lineage back to the pyramids themselves, encapsulates my love for fusing tradition with experimentation.
A Different Kind of Southern Charm
When one thinks of Southern cooking, what comes to mind are rich, comforting dishes – think biscuits, fried chicken, and creamy gravies. Yet the South, and particularly my coastal hometown Charleston, has a diverse, evolving culinary scene that expands far beyond the usual suspects. It’s here that I discovered the joy of experimenting with various ingredients, from local sea catches to humble yet flavorful produce. Stir-Fried Egyptian Onions adds an exotic twist to my palate, marrying my deep-seated love for traditional cooking with my ceaseless quest for unexplored flavors.
A Wealth of Benefits in One Pan
Not only is the recipe a riot of tastes and textures, but the Stir-Fried Egyptian Onions also packs a wealth of health benefits. Onions, for one, are quite the superfood – they’re low in calories yet high in vitamins and minerals, notably vitamin C which our bodies need for immune function. The pineapples and peaches add not just a surprising sweetness; they’re loaded with antioxidants and can aid digestion. Even the spices, like thyme and pepper, have their share of healthful properties.
And did I mention this dish packs a punch in the fiber department? That’s right, these ingredients work together to keep your digestive system in top shape.
Pairs Like a Dream
Stir-Fried Egyptian Onions is such a versatile dish – it can shine as the main course while also performing beautifully as an accompaniment. When serving it as a side, I’ve found it to work wonders with grilled fish, which echoes my coastal influences. The citrusy undertones of the onions and fruit provide a refreshing contrast to the smokiness of the fish. It’s similarly delightful when paired with roasted chicken, completely elevating your average weekday dinner to something reminiscent of a summer feast al fresco.
So here’s to exploring new culinary terrains and surprising ourselves along the way. After all, isn’t that the beauty of food and cooking?
What You’ll Need
- 12 medium sized Egyptian onions (Walking onions)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Minced garlic
- 1/2 cup Orange juice
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 1 cup Diced pineapples
- 1 cup Diced peaches
- 1/4 cup Chopped fresh mint
Method
Step One
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Peel and quarter the 12 medium sized Egyptian onions. Dice the pineapples and peaches and set them aside. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon until you have one tablespoon of zest. Finally, roughly chop the fresh mint and set it aside for later.
Step Two
In a large frying pan or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the quartered onions and sauté them for about 10 minutes. You want them to be soft and golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic to the onions in the pan and continue sautéing for another 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step Four
Season the onions and garlic mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir everything together to make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step Five
Next, pour in the 1/2 cup of orange juice to the pan. Stir well, scraping off any bits that stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
Step Six
Add the diced pineapples, peaches and lemon zest to the pan. Stir well, making sure everything is evenly combined. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Step Seven
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh mint over the stir-fry. Stir it in to distribute the mint throughout the dish. Serve the stir-fry hot and enjoy!
