Ah, the humble spring onion! Or, as it’s known in some circles, the green onion or scallion. While not as flashy as a field of tulips, a patch of spring onions on a Dutch ‘pluktuin’ (pick-your-own garden) offers a uniquely satisfying and utterly delicious experience.

The Simple Joy of the Pick-Your-Own Spring Onion Adventure!

Imagine a glorious sunny day in the Dutch countryside. You arrive at a charming farm, perhaps with friends, family, or simply enjoying some blissful solitude. You wander past rows of vibrant green, until you spot them: the slender, upright stalks of fresh spring onions, proudly standing guard in the rich soil.

There’s something incredibly grounding about getting your hands a little dirty. You bend down, select the plumpest, most promising-looking spring onions, and with a gentle but firm tug, you pull them free from their earthy home. That satisfying pop as the roots release, the earthy scent mingling with the fresh green aroma – it’s a small moment of triumph! Kids especially love this, feeling like little farmers harvesting their own treasure. You can chat, laugh, and fill your basket with these verdant beauties, knowing that every single one was chosen by you. It’s a wonderful, low-key adventure that reconnects you with nature and the simple pleasure of fresh, seasonal food.

Bringing Your Bountiful Bunch Home!

Once your basket is brimming with these slender, flavourful stalks, the real fun begins in the kitchen. Spring onions are the unsung heroes of the culinary world, offering a mild, peppery bite and a delightful crunch that can elevate countless dishes. Don’t let their simplicity fool you – their versatility is astounding!

Ways to Use Your Freshly Picked Spring Onions:

  • Raw and Radiant: Slice them thinly and sprinkle them over salads, tacos, eggs, stir-fries, or even a simple bowl of instant noodles for an instant flavour and colour boost.
  • Garnish Galore: They make a beautiful, edible garnish for almost anything savoury.
  • Cooked to Perfection: Add them to stir-fries, omelettes, frittatas, soups, or stews for a milder, sweeter onion flavour.
  • The Star of the Show: Make them the main event in dishes like spring onion pancakes or fritters.

Two Delightful Cooking Recipes:

1. Zesty Spring Onion & Cucumber Salad A light, refreshing salad that celebrates the crispness of fresh spring onions.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch (about 8-10) freshly picked spring onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
  • 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • (Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or some crumbled feta cheese)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced spring onions, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light lunch!

2. Savory Spring Onion Pancakes (Korean Pajeon-inspired) A delicious, crispy pancake that lets the spring onions shine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup cold water (or sparkling water for extra crispiness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bunch (about 10-12) freshly picked spring onions, cut into 2-inch pieces (use both white and green parts)
  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • For the Dipping Sauce: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, a pinch of sugar or honey, a dash of red pepper flakes (optional).

Instructions:

  1. Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, egg, cold water, salt, and pepper until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  2. Add Spring Onions: Gently fold in the cut spring onions into the batter.
  3. Cook the Pancakes: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Pour about 1/2 cup of batter into the hot skillet, spreading it slightly with the back of a spoon to form a thin, round pancake. You might be able to cook 1-2 at a time depending on your pan size.
  5. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Make Dipping Sauce: While pancakes cook, whisk together all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
  7. Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.
  8. Serve the warm, crispy spring onion pancakes with the dipping sauce on the side.

A Warming Infusion (Instead of Tea):

While spring onions aren’t typically brewed into a sweet, calming tea like chamomile, their pungent warmth can be wonderfully infused into a light, savory broth, perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather.

Warming Ginger & Spring Onion Broth

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
  • 3-4 spring onions (white and light green parts), roughly chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, smashed (optional)
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the water (or broth), sliced ginger, chopped spring onions, and smashed garlic (if using).
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it steep for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
  4. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a mug, discarding the solids. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
  5. Sip this warming, flavourful broth. It’s surprisingly comforting and can be a soothing pick-me-up!

A Savory Sip: The “Green Mary” Cocktail

Yes, even in cocktails, spring onions can add an unexpected, intriguing twist! Move over, celery stick, there’s a new green garnish in town.

The “Green Mary” (Spring Onion Bloody Mary)

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz high-quality tomato juice
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz Worcestershire sauce
  • 2-3 dashes of hot sauce (like Tabasco, or more if you like it spicy!)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1/2 - 1 spring onion (white part), roughly chopped
  • Garnish: A whole spring onion stalk, celery stick, or even a cooked prawn.

Instructions:

  1. In a cocktail shaker, add the roughly chopped spring onion. Gently muddle it to release its juices and flavour.
  2. Add the vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to the shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain the cocktail (single or double strain if you prefer no small spring onion bits) into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Garnish with a beautiful, fresh spring onion stalk and any other garnishes you fancy. Enjoy this savoury, invigorating drink!

So, next time you’re wandering through the charming Dutch countryside, keep an eye out for a ‘pluktuin’ offering spring onions. You’ll not only enjoy a delightful outdoor activity but also bring home a versatile ingredient that’s ready to elevate your culinary creations in countless delicious ways!