Onion peels, often discarded as kitchen waste, are surprisingly rich in nutrients and can offer various health benefits. Here are five creative ways to use onion skins in your meals:
- Enhance Soups and Stews: When preparing soups or stews, toss in some onion skins. They not only thicken the broth but also give it a beautiful purple hue. Remember to remove the skins after boiling.
- Add a Smoky Touch: Create an “onion ash” by roasting onion skins in the oven until they darken. Grind them into a fine powder and use it as a seasoning to add a smoky flavor to your dishes.
- Onion Skin Tea: Make a soothing and immune-boosting tea by adding onion peels to a cup of hot water along with your favorite tea leaves. After steeping, strain and enjoy.
- Onion Peel Infused Water: Soak onion skins in a glass of water for around 15 minutes, remove them, and savor the refreshing and potentially anti-inflammatory drink. This may help alleviate muscle cramps.
- Add Flavor to Rice: Whether you’re making biryani, pulao, or any spiced rice dish, cooking the rice with a few onion skins can impart a mildly bitter flavor. Be sure to remove the skins before serving.