Ah, the humble spring onion! Often overlooked, but on the Dutch farms where you can pick your own, it transforms into a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Forget the supermarket aisle – this is where the magic begins!

The Joy of the Green Pick

Imagine a crisp, sunny day, the scent of earth in the air, and rows upon rows of vibrant green stalks beckoning you. Heading out to a pick-your-own farm in the Netherlands to gather your own spring onions is an absolute delight. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a wholesome activity, the simple pleasure of pulling these beauties from the soil is surprisingly satisfying.

It’s an experience for all senses: the gentle crunch as you snap them from their roots, the earthy aroma clinging to their tender whites, the vibrant green contrasting with the dark soil. Bring the kids – they’ll love getting their hands a little dirty and discovering where their food truly comes from. Gather your friends for a leisurely afternoon, chattering as you fill your baskets, perhaps even making a friendly competition out of who can find the plumpest bunch. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about connecting with nature, even if it’s just for a bunch of onions! Plus, you’re guaranteed the freshest, most flavourful spring onions imaginable.

Bringing Home Your Green Goodness: Ways to Use Spring Onions

Once you’ve returned home, triumphantly carrying your freshly picked bounty, the real fun begins! Spring onions are incredibly versatile, offering a delicate onion flavour with a hint of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Don’t relegate them to just a garnish – these green superstars deserve to be the star of the show!

Here are a few ways to enjoy your hard-earned harvest:

  • Raw & Refreshing: Finely slice them and sprinkle over salads, scrambled eggs, omelets, or avocado toast for a vibrant kick. They’re also fantastic simply dipped in a creamy dressing or hummus.
  • Sautéed & Sweet: Briefly sauté them whole or chopped with a knob of butter until tender-crisp. A fantastic side dish for grilled meats or fish.
  • Grilled Perfection: Brush whole spring onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until slightly charred and tender. A sublime addition to any barbecue.
  • Flavour Boost: Incorporate them into stir-fries, soups, stews, or casseroles for an instant burst of fresh oniony goodness.

Cooking Recipes to Showcase Your Spring Onions

1. Savoury Korean-Style Spring Onion Pancakes (Pajeon)

This crispy, savoury pancake is a fantastic way to celebrate your fresh spring onions. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup cold water (or sparkling water for extra crispiness)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large bunch of freshly picked spring onions (about 8-10), cut into 2-3 inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup sliced seafood (shrimp, squid) or mushrooms for extra flavour

Dipping Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, egg, water, salt, and pepper until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  2. Prepare Spring Onions: Add the spring onion pieces (and optional seafood/mushrooms) directly into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
  3. Heat Pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook Pancakes: Pour about half of the batter (with spring onions) into the hot pan, spreading it evenly to form a thin, round pancake. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Add the remaining oil and repeat with the rest of the batter.
  5. Make Dipping Sauce: While the pancakes cook, whisk together all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
  6. Serve: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a cutting board, slice into wedges, and serve immediately with the dipping sauce. Enjoy the delightful crunch!

2. Creamy Spring Onion & Potato Soup

A comforting and surprisingly elegant soup that lets the delicate flavour of fresh spring onions shine.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large bunch of freshly picked spring onions (about 8-10), white and light green parts thinly sliced, dark green tops reserved for garnish
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional Garnish: Reserved dark green spring onion tops, a swirl of cream, fresh chives

Instructions:

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced white and light green parts of the spring onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant but not browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.
  2. Add Potatoes & Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
  3. Blend the Soup: Carefully remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth (be cautious when blending hot liquids).
  4. Finish with Cream: Return the pot to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and heat gently, without boiling, until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with finely chopped dark green spring onion tops and an optional swirl of cream or chives. Pure comfort in a bowl!

Shaking Things Up: The “Green Garden Gimlet” Cocktail

Yes, even a savoury gem like the spring onion can find its way into a surprisingly refreshing cocktail!

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz good quality gin
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.75 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled)
  • 2-3 thin slices of fresh spring onion (white and light green parts)
  • Ice
  • Garnish: A longer, thin spring onion stalk or a lime wheel

Instructions:

  1. Muddle: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the spring onion slices with the simple syrup. You want to release the flavour without completely pulverizing them.
  2. Add Liquids: Add the gin and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
  3. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain: Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass (use a fine-mesh sieve in addition to your shaker’s strainer to catch any small spring onion bits).
  5. Garnish: Garnish with a thin spring onion stalk or a lime wheel. Sip and be surprised by the refreshing, subtly savoury kick!

So, next time you’re craving a little culinary adventure, head to a Dutch farm, pick your own spring onions, and discover the sheer joy and delicious versatility of these fantastic green spears!