Onion powder is a versatile ingredient that adds flavor to a variety of dishes. It’s a great way to add a boost of flavor without the added moisture of fresh onions. Making your own onion powder is simple, easy and economical, and it also allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and the level of salt added. Moreover, store-bought onion powder can be costly and may contain added preservatives and fillers, making your own powder allows you to control exactly what goes into it.

Ingredients and Equipment:

To make onion powder, you will need onions and salt (optional). The number of onions you need will depend on how much powder you want to make. You will also need a dehydrator, a food processor or a coffee grinder. If you choose to use a dehydrator, it’s important to note that it is a great option to dry the onions because it maintains the flavor and color of the onions better than other methods.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Prepping the onions: Start by peeling and thinly slicing the onions. If you are using a dehydrator, spread the slices out on the dehydrator trays, making sure they aren’t touching. If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can dry the slices in the oven on the lowest setting or in a food dehydrator. A good tip is to slice the onions as thin as possible, this way they will dry faster and more evenly.

Dehydrating the onions: Dehydrate the onions for 8-12 hours, or until they are completely dry and brittle. The onions should be dry enough that they will crumble when you try to bend them. Be sure to check the onions every few hours and rotate the trays if necessary. Onions that are not fully dried may spoil and ruin your powder.

Grinding the onions: Once the onions are dehydrated, grind them in a food processor or coffee grinder until they are a fine powder. If you are using a coffee grinder, you may need to grind the onions in batches. Be sure to pulse the grinder or processor and not to overwork it, this will prevent releasing oils from the onions which can make the powder clumpy.

Storing the onion powder: Store the onion powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. To keep the powder fresh and flavorful, it is important to store it in an airtight container and away from heat and light sources. You can also add a small amount of rice or silica gel packets to the container to absorb any excess moisture.

By following these simple steps, you can make your own onion powder that is fresh, flavorful and free of preservatives. It’s also a great way to use up extra onions, and to have a pantry staple on hand. You can use it as a seasoning for soups, sauces, stews and rubs, or as a topping for popcorn. With homemade onion powder, you can elevate the flavor of your dishes and know exactly what ingredients are in it.

Additionally, you can experiment with different types of onions such as red, white or sweet onions to find the flavor that best suits your taste. You can also mix in different herbs and spices to make your own custom seasoning blends. The possibilities are endless with homemade onion powder.