Spring Ingredients: Introducing New Onions and Easy Recipes

The charm of new onions that herald the arrival of spring

New onions, which begin to appear in stores in spring, are a juicy and sweet ingredient. They are less spicy than regular onions and are easy to eat raw. Their soft texture and unique flavor add color to a variety of dishes

Here, we will introduce the charms of new onions in detail, and in the second half, we will introduce a recipe that combines soft eggplant, new onions, and chicken using seasonings other than ponzu. We will also touch on the origins of new onions and the history of onions themselves, so please enjoy until the end

The difference between new onions and regular onions

New onions are harvested earlier than regular onions. As a result, their skin remains thin and fresh, giving them a noticeable whitish appearance. New onions are unique in that they are less spicy when eaten raw and have a sweet and soft texture. On the other hand, regular onions are often stored for long periods of time, which means their skin dries out and they tend to be more spicy. Using them according to the cooking method and how you want to eat them will broaden the range of your dishes

Table: Comparison of the main characteristics of new onions and regular onions

The roots and history of onions

Onions are said to have been cultivated around the world since ancient times. Wild species were originally discovered in Central Asia and the Middle East, and have spread to various parts of the world over the course of history. They are believed to have been introduced to Japan from abroad, and were initially eaten only in limited areas and by the upper classes, but they later spread nationwide and have become an essential vegetable on our dining tables today

The origin of new onions and their introduction to Japan

Onions commonly found in Japan are originally imported vegetables that were introduced from overseas. Harvesting young onions in the warm season results in new onions that are softer and sweeter. The unique flavor of new onions, which can only be enjoyed for a short period in early spring, is loved by many people

The appeal of this refreshing recipe made with eggplant, spring onions, and chicken

Combining spring onions with eggplant and chicken thighs creates a dish that is sweet, rich, and just the right amount of filling. Eggplant absorbs oil easily, which is key to its creamy texture. On the other hand, the umami of chicken thighs is enhanced by being well seasoned

This time, we will introduce a recipe that uses seasonings other than ponzu sauce to create a refreshing dish. By using ginger and garlic in the marinade and making it suitable for use as a side dish in a bento box or to prepare in advance, it is a dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of situations

Reasons for using seasonings other than ponzu

Ponzu is a convenient seasoning that lets you enjoy the sourness of citrus fruits and the flavor of soy sauce at the same time, but if you want more flavor variety or a smoother finish, we recommend using seasonings other than ponzu. By combining soy sauce and mirin with the sourness of vinegar or lemon juice, you can create a simple yet refreshing flavor similar to ponzu

A refreshing recipe with melty eggplant, spring onions, and chicken

Now, let's introduce a recipe that lets you fully enjoy new spring onions. While the original recipe uses ponzu sauce, this time we'll create a refreshing flavor using seasonings other than ponzu. By marinating the chicken with ginger and garlic, we achieve a rich, flavorful finish

Ingredients (for 4 people)

Ingredients (for 4 people)

• Chicken thighs... 2 pieces (approx. 500g)
• New onion ... 1 (large)
• Eggplant…2 pieces
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic (grated)
• Sake ... 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce ... 2 tablespoons
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon sugar (if you want to add sweetness)
• Salt and pepper... to taste
• Oil...appropriate amount (for frying eggplant)

*If you like, you can add lemon juice at the end to enjoy a more refreshing sour taste

How to make it

1. Seasoning
   • Remove excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut into bite-sized pieces
   • Combine ginger, garlic, sake, soy sauce, mirin, and vinegar in a bowl. Add sugar if you want it sweeter
   • Place the chicken in a bowl and gently knead with your hands to mix well. You can also place the chicken in a resealable bag
   • Put it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to infuse more fully
   • Tip : The marinated chicken can be frozen for approximately 3 to 4 weeks.
2. Preparing vegetables
   • Peel the spring onions and cut them into thin slices or wedges. If you want to keep the crunchiness of the spring onions, you can cut them thicker
   • Remove the stem from the eggplant and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Soak it in water to remove the bitterness, then drain thoroughly
3. Stir-fry eggplant
   • Add oil to a frying pan and heat over medium heat
   • Add the eggplant and stir fry until the surface is soft. It absorbs oil well, so if there isn't enough, add a little at a time and stir fry
   • Once the eggplant is cooked through and has a soft texture, remove it to a plate and set it aside
4. Grilling chicken
   • Add the marinated chicken to the same frying pan and cook over medium heat
   • If you are grilling the skin side first, the key is to first crisp up the skin over high heat
   • Once both sides are browned, lightly wipe off any excess oil or burnt food in the frying pan with kitchen paper
5. Combine with vegetables
   • Once the chicken is almost cooked through, add the spring onions. Stir-fry lightly, and once the spring onions have softened a little, add the eggplant that you removed earlier back in
   • Stir thoroughly and cook through, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed
   • If you want to add lemon juice to your liking, add it just before turning off the heat and give it a quick stir to bring out the refreshing acidity
6. Serving
   • Arrange the chicken and vegetables in bowls and serve hot
   • If you are putting it in a lunch box, let it cool completely before packing it so that the flavors blend together and it tastes even better

The presence of new onions adds color to the recipe

This recipe is accented by the sweetness and crisp texture of new onions. The melt-in-your-mouth texture of the eggplant and the juiciness of the chicken create a varied mouthfeel that is appealing. Unlike when used in simmered dishes or soups, stir-frying new onions allows you to bring out their sweetness while retaining their just the right amount of crunch

Furthermore, the refreshing flavor is perfect for the spring and summer seasons. It's a dish that will whet your appetite and go well with rice, even on hot days

The development of onion dishes and culture of foreign origin

Dishes using onions are found all over the world, with a wide variety of origins and histories. Side dishes like this one, which combine onions with chicken and eggplant, are cooked in similar ways not only in Japan but also overseas. The simple process of adding oil and seasonings and frying has developed in a wide variety of cultures, including Western, Chinese, and ethnic cuisines

In fact, onions were only introduced to Japan after exchanges with other countries became more active. The culture of meat dishes using onions was adopted and uniquely adapted, resulting in the various recipes we see today. The recipe introduced here is also an example of a method originally based on a cooking method originating overseas that was adapted for a domestic market

Tips and storage methods for new onions

New onions are juicy and easily spoiled, so if you pay a little attention to how you store them, you can keep them fresh for a long time. It's useful to keep the following points in mind

Tips for keeping new onions tasty

1. Store in a cool, dark place.
   The outer skin is soft, so store in a place with low humidity and out of direct sunlight. During hot and humid seasons, it is recommended to store in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.
2. Wrap new onions in newspaper or paper.
   New onions are prone to spoilage if they come into direct contact with each other, so it is best to wrap each one in newspaper or paper before storing them.
3. Use them up quickly:
   They are not as suitable for long-term storage as regular onions, so use them up as soon as possible after purchase. To make the most of their freshness, we recommend eating them raw or cooking them from spring to early summer.

How to use new onions in various ways

Spring onions are a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed raw as well as in stir-fries. Here are some ideas for how to use them

Eat it raw

• Salad
  : Soak sliced ​​spring onions in water to remove the spiciness, then top with your favorite dressing for a refreshingly juicy salad. It also pairs well with tuna and seaweed.
• 
  Simply mix it with dried

For soups and stews

• simmered
  . They soften even in a short time, and the sweetness spreads throughout the soup.
• Western-style soup
  bouillon or consommé soup will quickly create a thick texture. Adding a little butter at the end will enhance the flavor.

The spread of onion food culture from its origins

Onions have been cultivated around the world since ancient times and used in a variety of dishes. Onion-like crops are depicted in ancient Egyptian murals, and it is said that they were also an object of worship. In Europe, they were considered a valuable food source during times of war, and were widely recognized as a source of nutrition (although this article will not go into detail about their nutritional value)

As onions from overseas were introduced to Japan, various cooking methods were developed to suit the local food culture and climate. Onions are now commonly used, but in fact they are one of the vegetables that spread under the influence of foreign cultures

Enjoy the new onions that can only be enjoyed in spring

New onions are beloved as a seasonal delicacy that can only be enjoyed in early spring due to their unique sweetness and softness. They are delicious even when used in simple dishes, but by combining them with chicken and eggplant, as in this recipe, you can create a refreshing yet rich side dish

Additionally, new onions vary in flavor and softness depending on the region and variety they are grown in. If you have the opportunity, it can be fun to try new onions from different regions and find your favorite flavor

Summary: Expand your repertoire with spring onions, chicken, and eggplant

• The appeal of new onions is
  that they are juicy and soft, so they are delicious both raw and cooked. They have a strong sweetness and can be used in a variety of cooking methods.
• History of onions:
  Onions have been cultivated around the world since ancient times, and were introduced to Japan from overseas. They have developed into an indispensable part of the Japanese diet.
• combination of eggplant and chicken:
  The soft texture of eggplant and the juiciness of chicken thighs go perfectly with the sweet spring onions. This dish has a rich flavor despite the light seasoning.
• Tips for storage and use:
  New onions spoil easily, so wrap them individually and store them in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator. They are not suitable for long-term storage, so it is best to use them up as soon as possible.

New onions, available only for a limited time in spring, are a precious ingredient that brings us the flavor of the season. Use the recipes and cooking methods introduced here to fully enjoy the sweetness and softness of new onions. You can enjoy them raw, or stir-fry them to make the most of their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Even with simple cooking methods, you'll be able to fully experience their charm

This dish, born from the fusion of onion culture introduced from overseas and the food culture that has developed uniquely in Japan, will be a great help in adding variety to your dining table. Please try using it to your heart's content as a side dish for rice or in your bento. By enjoying the new onions that are unique to spring, we hope you will enjoy the richness of enjoying a meal while feeling the change of seasons