I took advantage of a few rainy days, and dehydrated onions. Yes, the windows were open for this yearly event. I may dehydrate one more time this year, but it's a start to re-stock.
I chop a few onions at a time, and toss into my food processor. I pulse the onions until they are about evenly diced. I have had this simple food processor for about 13 years now. As you can see, there are few options. I do plan to buy one with more options when this one stops working. Also, you can use a hand chopper for a smaller batch as well.
I spread the diced onions onto parchment paper lined dehydrator trays, and dehydrate at the temperature recommened for my dehydrator.
Once dry, I use latex gloves to remove the onions from the parchment paper. I then grind the dried onions in a specific coffee grinder, that is dedicated to grinding dried food items.
I dump out the current onion powder, wash the container and add the newer ground onions first, then the older. Otherwise, I rotate two jars. What ever works for you, but remember to use the older ground onion up first.
I made us some onion powder, but will need to dehydrate more onions for making minced onion for future meals. It's a go-to staple in our house. I do use a dehydrator, but now-a-days, the newests ovens have a dehydrator option, and smaller batches can be made in most air fryers.
I have stored our onion powder in the freezer for years, because dehydrated onions re-absorb moisture quickly. I keep it in an airtight jar. I often times, have to wipe the rim before putting it back, but otherwise, the moisture stays out of it.
Converstion charts are available online to decide how much of the powder or minced etc is equal to fresh onion.
Example: 1 tsp. ground onion powder = 1/3 cup fresh chopped onion.
Dehydrating Onions ~ Onion Powder © May 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart
6 comments:
Granddaughter sent me jars of dried dill and garlic, but the onion powder is clumped. I've added a few pieces of dry rice, but still have to "jack hammer" it with a knife to get some to shake. What do you recommend other than me buying some at the store, haha! Have a great day there in oHIo. Mary
Mother Em, that is why I store my jar in the freezer door. If I store the jar of the onion powder in my pantry, it will still (even in an airtight jar) absorb moisture and clump up. Try storing it in your freezer. I take the jar out just before needing it, and it is perfectly a powder with no clumping up. Hope that helps. The same with shallot powder too. Store it in the freezer.
Maybe I should get a dehydrator. I had one years ago and never used it. I think now I would.
I may just have to get a dehydrator sometime. We have a friend who dehydrates lots of fruits in the summer for later use. I've never tried it though.
Blessings,
Betsy
Debby, I have used mine to even make yogurt in. It's large enough to pull the trays out and put the jars inside. I also rise bread dough in it.
Betsy, I have made fruit leather in it. I haven't dried too many fruits just yet, but plan to dehydrate more. I have dehydrated a lot of vegetables.
Post a Comment