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Not-So-Classic Onion Dip

clock-icon110 minutes
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Pixicook editorial team

A deliciously unique onion dip featuring caramelized onions and fried shallots, perfect for dipping with potato chips and crudités.

Ingredients for Not-So-Classic Onion Dip

units in
USchevron
serves
8 peoplechevron

Large Shallots, thinly sliced and separated into rings

0 oz

Kosher Salt

to taste

Medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped

each

Medium Red Onion, finely chopped

each

Garlic Powder

tablespoons

Onion Powder

tablespoons

Potato Chips

to serve

Crudités

to serve

How to Make Not-So-Classic Onion Dip

1. Frying the Shallots

Begin by lining a baking sheet with paper towels. Pour the canola oil into a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shallot rings in batches, frying them for 3 to 5 minutes until they are browned and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried shallots to the prepared baking sheet, and sprinkle them lightly with kosher salt.

2. Caramelizing the Onions

Using the reserved oil in the skillet, add the chopped yellow and red onions with a pinch of salt. Cook them over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 30 minutes. The onions should become very soft and deeply caramelized, which will create a rich, sweet base for your dip.

3. Mixing the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the caramelized onions with the sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well incorporated, ensuring that the flavors meld together beautifully.

4. Incorporating the Shallots

Gently fold in most of the crushed fried shallots, reserving a handful for garnish. This step adds texture and a burst of flavor to each bite.

5. Chilling and Serving

Transfer the dip to an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify. Before serving, season the dip with additional salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with the reserved fried shallots. Serve with potato chips and fresh crudités, and watch it disappear!

Pitfalls and tips

Caramelization of Onions

The heart of a great onion dip lies in the deeply caramelized onions. Use a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet for even cooking and avoid overcrowding. Cook the onions slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to allow even caramelization. Aim for a deep, rich brown color without burning. This can take up to 30-40 minutes, so patience is crucial.

Let it Rest

Allow the dip to rest in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This resting period lets the flavors meld together and develop, yielding a more cohesive and robust flavor profile.

Balance Salt and Sweetness

Onions sweeten significantly upon caramelization, so ensure you balance this sweetness with the right seasonings. Taste as you go, and season with salt in layers during the cooking process to build depth. A touch of acidity, like freshly squeezed lemon juice or a dash of vinegar, can also help balance the flavors.

Creamy Base Consistency

For a more complex profile, consider incorporating elements like Greek yogurt for tang or creme fraiche for richness into your creamy base. Whisk these until smooth before mixing with the onions.

Herbs and Spices Accentuation

Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can add freshness. If using dried spices like garlic powder or onion powder, heat them briefly in a dry skillet to awaken their oils before adding them to the mix.

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