How to Prepare Blue Onion: Enjoy Wild Flavors at Home

Hello, dear readers. Blue onion (Allium caeruleum), also known as the blue or gray onion, is a wild plant from the amaryllis family, known for its unique appearance and slightly sweet flavor. It grows on rocky slopes in Central Asia but is increasingly cultivated as a decorative and culinary herb. The young leaves and bulbs are edible, especially in spring when they're juicy and aromatic. Here’s a simple guide to preparing blue onion.

🧄 Ingredients:

• Fresh blue onion - 200 g
• Butter - 20 g
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper, sesame, garlic - to taste (optional)

🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Gathering: If foraging, select young, juicy leaves and small bulbs. Rinse them in cold water and let them dry.
2. Blanching (optional): To soften the flavor and preserve the color, dip the onion in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water.
3. Sautéing: In a heated skillet, melt the butter. Add chopped blue onion and sauté over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until lightly caramelized. This enhances the flavor and aroma.
4. Seasoning: Add salt, freshly ground pepper, and a splash of lemon juice to highlight the natural sweetness. You can also include grated garlic, sesame seeds, or a dash of soy sauce for an Asian twist.

🥗 Serving Suggestions: Serve blue onion as a side with meat or fish, mix it into omelets or salads, or spread it on toast with soft cheese. It pairs well with buckwheat, potatoes, and fresh vegetables.

🌿 Tip: If growing blue onion at home, experiment with different stages of maturity—use young leaves for salads and bulbs for sautéing or stewing. Don't forget to add salt to taste. Enjoy 🙂