Best Charred Spring Onions Recipes

BAKED FALAFEL & CAULIFLOWER TABBOULEH, GREEN TAHINI SAUCE & CHARRED SPRING ONIONS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Tip the chickpeas, ½ tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp ground coriander, cayenne pepper, red onion, 1 garlic clove, sesame seeds, baking powder, parsley stalks and ½ tbsp water into a food processor. Blitz until everything is combined but not mushy - you want the falafel to have some texture, rather than being like hummus. Season to taste, then roll into 18 even-sized balls. Flatten each ball into a disc shape and put them on the baking sheet (the more surface area the crisper they will become). Brush them with ½ tbsp oil. Bake for 20 mins, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
• Meanwhile, clean out the food processor. Briefly pulse the cauliflower until you have a 'couscous' consistency. Mix the cauliflower with the remaining ground spices, ½ tbsp olive oil and seasoning. Tip onto a baking tray and roast for 10-12 mins, stirring occasionally, until slightly toasted. Once cool, mix through the chopped parsley, mint and half the lemon juice. Season to taste.
• Heat the grill to high (this can be done the night before, if you like). Brush the spring onions with 1 tsp oil, season, then grill until soft and charred for around 5 mins, turning halfway.
• Meanwhile, blitz the rocket, coriander, remaining garlic, lemon juice and 1 tbsp water together in a food processor until bright green. Put the tahini in a bowl, then gradually whisk in the herby water until the tahini loosens to a sauce consistency. Season to taste.
• Divide the green tahini and spring onions between the baked falafel and tabbouleh in bowls.

CHARRED SPRING ONIONS & ROMESCO

Steps:

• Put the nuts in the bowl of a food processor, saving a handful to serve. Add the garlic, then blitz until you have coarse crumbs. Add the red peppers and tomato purée and blitz again to a rough paste. Add the sourdough and a glug of the oil to loosen the mixture, then blitz once more until you have a slightly smoother paste. Pour the sauce into a mixing bowl and add the cayenne pepper, paprika and some seasoning. Pour in the rest of the olive oil, stirring to incorporate it. Add the vinegar, 1 tsp at a time, until the sauce has the right acidity - it should make you salivate!
• For the spring onions, brush them with olive oil, season with salt and griddle over a high heat, turning occasionally, until softening at the core and charred all over. Serve the spring onions with the sauce and a scattering of almonds.

CHARRED SPRING ONIONS

Steps:

• If your barbecue hasn't already been heated, light and heat until the ashes turn grey, or heat a griddle pan. Wash the spring onions and pat dry. Trim off the ends, then place the onions directly on the barbecue or in a hot griddle pan.
• When the spring onions have softened and blackened, take off the heat and move to a hot spot on the barbecue top to keep warm before serving.

CHARRED SPRING ONIONS & TERIYAKI TOFU

Steps:

• Cook the rice according to pack instructions. Pour the soy sauce, mirin, ginger and honey into a small saucepan and add 50ml water. Bring to a simmer and cook for around 5 mins or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and set aside until needed.
• If your tofu doesn't feel very firm, you'll need to press it. To do this, wrap the block of tofu in a few layers of kitchen paper, then weigh it down with a heavy pan or tray for 10-15 mins - the longer you press it, the firmer it will be. Cut the tofu into thick slices.
• Heat a griddle pan over high heat and lightly brush the tofu and spring onions with the oil. Griddle the tofu and spring onion until deep char lines appear on both sides (around 4 mins each side) - you may have to do this in batches depending on the size of your griddle pan.
• Divide the cooked rice between two plates, top with the tofu and spring onion, then drizzle with the teriyaki sauce. Garnish with the sesame seeds and sliced red chilli, if using.

LETTUCE SALAD WITH CHARRED SPRING ONIONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place walnuts on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a kitchen towel and rub in towel to remove bitter outer skins. Lift nuts from towel, leaving skins behind, and set aside.
• Prepare a vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine honey, vinegar and 1/4 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Preheat a grill, and rub spring onions with 1 tablespoon oil. Quickly grill onions, about 1 minute a side. Cut onions into thirds, place in a small bowl, and coat with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette. Cover and set aside to cool.
• To serve, place baby greens in a serving bowl. Add walnuts, onions and remaining vinaigrette. Toss well. Use a vegetable peeler to shave shards of cheese over the salad. Serve immediately.