Here’s another Really Simple recipe to get you past a mistake.
What mistake? The one we all have made. In the guise of saving money and thinking about all the things we are going to do, we all have created “The Shelf.” It’s there. In your kitchen. One entire shelf, lonely, untouched, unapproachable.
You did have the best of intentions. At the market, you were in the spice aisle and you saw those little bottles of things, and their price, and then the big, big bottles of things, and their price. And, well, on a cost efficiency basis, that big bottle of onion flakes was a hell of a lot cheaper per ounce. And you planned to use it. And that was years ago. The bottle is still there, 90% full still. Now you are wondering if they would accept it at the dump.
We all have bought those gargantuan containers of spices and goodies, with the best intentions of using them on a regular basis. But those containers get pushed to the shadows of the back of the shelf. It can be months, or years, before they see the light of a countertop with their lids open.
We are going to fix all that. First, do not feel guilt. Second, feel some ambition. Third, buy sour cream.
The simple way to a good onion dip, and it is good, is a packet of onion soup mix tossed into sour cream. Let’s improve on that, and, at the same time, really use the stuff on that shelf.
This onion dip is, well, oniony. That’s why we make it. But this one has a fire, a kick, that makes your mouth perk up [and crave beer]. I give the basic recipe below, with some options. Feel free to adjust the amounts and even what goes in. After all, it is your shelf.
One warning: don’t over salt the dip. Those dried onion flakes will awaken in a few minutes and the entire flavor balance will change. So, mix this dip up, but let it sit for an hour before making any adjustments.
Back of the Shelf Onion Dip
Yield: serve 2-3 people or 1 husband eating alone when his wife is out with friends
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- Chopped herbs: parsley, cilantro, chives
- Chopped scallions
Preparation:
Combine ingredients in a glass bowl and carefully mix. Cover and refrigerate for one hour. Taste and adjust seasonings. Remove from refrigerator at least one hour before serving; the dip becomes very solid in the fridge.
Source: Brian O’Rourke