| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 550 | 52g | 10g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 2g | 8g | 0.95g |
At the heart of my journey through afro-southern fusion cuisine is the love of combining diverse flavors, textures and culinary traditions; and one of my beloved creations surely is the Maui Onion Dip. This scrumptious veggie-based side dish is unique in its own right, and its bold flavors are truly a testament to the art of culinary fusion. Allow me to take you through why I hold this particular creation so dear.
Savoring the Sweetness of Maui
Right off the bat, the main ingredient of this recipe, the Maui onions (or any other sweet onions), set the tone with their distinctive sweetness. Directly from the tropical paradise that is Hawaii, these onions carry an almost fruity tinge that effortlessly complements the more grounded flavors in our dish. The alluring sweetness of the onions is gently drawn out by the savory blend of mayonnaise and Parmesan – a delightful interplay of flavors that leave you savouring each mouthful.
Inspired by Diversity
This dish is reminiscent of the traditional Vidalia onion dip, a Southern classic. The Maui Onion Dip takes that nostalgic comfort and adds a unique twist. It goes perfectly as a side for a range of palate-awakening main courses, such as spicy grilled shrimp, to balance the heat, or saucy pulled pork, intensifying the dish’s hearty profile. It’s a versatile dip that recognises no boundaries and embraces a variety of flavor profiles.
Nutritional Nosh and More
But hey, the great taste is not all. The recipe, if eaten in moderation, brings numerous health benefits. Maui onions are known to be a source of Vitamin C and rich in flavonoids, compounds that serve as antioxidants which help the body fight against harmful free radicals.source Not to mention that the olive oil we use in this recipe contains healthy monounsaturated fats and is loaded with powerful antioxidants.source It’s a true culinary treat that does not skimp on the overall well-being of the gourmand.
Whether it’s a casual gathering with my loved ones or just a quiet evening with my partner, whipping up some Maui Onion Dip is always a joy. So, I invite you to take a page from my book of culinary adventures and give this Maui Onion Dip a try — taste the exciting fusion of diverse flavors, and you’ll understand why it remains a treasured recipe among thousands.
What You’ll Need
- 2 large Maui onions (or other sweet onions), chopped
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Assorted fresh fruits for dipping (such as pineapple, strawberries, and grapes)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting for the oven to heat up, take your 2 large Maui onions and chop them finely. Place it aside for later.
Step Two
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onions to the skillet. Sprinkle the onions with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper and stir them around until they’re well coated in the oil and spices.
Step Three
Continue to cook the onions, periodically stirring, until they turn golden brown. This caramelization process brings out their natural sweetness, which is a key flavor in this dip.
Step Four
Next, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic and Worcestershire become fragrant.
Step Five
In a separate large bowl, combine 2 cups of mayonnaise, 2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley. Stir them until they’re well combined.
Step Six
Add the caramelized onion mixture to the bowl with the mayonnaise and cheese. Mix everything together until the onions are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
Step Seven
Transfer the dip into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly.
Step Eight
Take the dip out from the oven and let it cool for a bit. Your Maui Onion dip is now ready to be served! It goes well with assorted fresh fruits such as pineapple, strawberries, and grapes. Enjoy the tropical flavors!
