Food writers and researchers don’t get as much accolade as they deserve, as many don’t see how much work they do to satisfy humanity. Imagine a world without all the exquisite cooking formulas and tastes we’ve come to love. A world where all we eat is one-directional and never changing in flavor, texture, style, presentation, or aroma. For instance, a world without impressive blends like the dry onion soup mix.
Because this pre-mixed food ingredient has gotten so common, we may depend on it so much that we can’t imagine doing without it. But, like everything in the kitchen, a time will come when you have to find another option for a dry onion soup mix. But before we dive into this need, let’s look at what makes this item so unique.
What is Dry Onion Soup Mix?
The mix is a blend of dry onion flakes (also called minced onions), sodium-free beef bouillon granules, onion powder, garlic powder, celery seed, paprika, parsley flakes, and ground black pepper. It’s gotten chiefly in packaged form in grocery stores and supermarkets, but you find many people making it themselves. Dry onion soup mix is a flexible ingredient and an integral part of some recipes. But it’s also easy to make since it’s a spice blend comprising some other popular components.
Onion Nutrition Facts
Dry Onion Soup Mix in Recipes
A dry onion soup mix is a great way to add a depth of flavor to everyday recipes. It’s so versatile, as it combines some other culinary goodness to bring about its final taste. This savory spice blend is used as a flavor enhancer, a base for chili, to improve pasta dishes and enhance burger patties. Its importance in soups can’t be undermined, and its versatility makes it a go-to in some other recipes. It’s why many foods include dry onion soup mix in their list- food such as
- Cola onion pork chops
- Beef stroganoff
- Vegetable beef soup
- Onion baked chicken
- Salisbury steak
- Chicken soup
- Taco soup
- Onion soup
- Pot roast
- Onion-roasted potatoes
- Meatloaves and meatballs
- Onion dip
- Crockpot apricot chicken
- Hamburgers
- Beef stews
Dry Onion Soup Mix Substitutes
Dry onion soup mix is a fountain of flavors, which is why it’s a favorite in many kitchens. And it’s why many may panic if they ever run out of it. But don’t fret, as you can still find other exciting alternatives to it for your recipes.
Onion Powder
This ingredient is an excellent substitute for a dry onion soup mix, especially in chips and vegetable dishes. It’s also perfect as a flavor-enhancer for recipes with sour cream, cream cheese, or mayonnaise. And at equal amounts, you end up with a similar flavor. Furthermore, you’ll get the perfect dry onion soup mix substitute in onion powder when the recipe contains other herbs and flavors. But if such isn’t the case, consider adding a pinch each of salt, chives, and white pepper to your onion powder to form a mix, and you’re good to go.
Garlic Powder
This choice is another excellent substitute for a dry onion soup mix and can be used as a flavoring agent in creamy sauce and dip recipes. It can also work side by side with onion powder and in equal measurements as a dry onion soup mix. This blend brings about an equally intense new flavor and goes very well with any recipe or dish in place of dry onion soup mix.
Also, you can apply a generous pinch of chives, salt, and white pepper to your garlic powder, to replicate the effects of the dry onion soup mix. And, there’re flavored garlic mixes you can also try, but be careful when using such as it tends to be salty.
Fresh Onion and Salt
You can also substitute about a quarter cup of fresh onion and a teaspoon of salt for each cup of dry onion soup mix. And this mixture works well in any slow-cooked, savory dish. Plus, you get more freshness from the onions while the salt drives a closer taste of dryness home.
But this substitute requires careful application, as you need to add the onion and other vegetables to give it more time to cook. The reason is that fresh ingredients need more time to soak in their flavor into the dish, compared to powdered seasonings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between dry onion soup mix and French onion soup mix?
There isn’t a difference between dry onion soup mix and French onion soup mix. Many people even use both interchangeably, and they contain the same essential ingredients. Some schools of thought even say they’re the same thing, that using dry onion soup mix to make French soup gave birth to the French soup mix name.
Can I make a dry onion soup mix??
Yes, you can. You’ll need ¼ cup of dried onion flakes, two tablespoons of beef bouillon granules (sodium-free), and ¼ teaspoon each of onion powder and parsley flakes. You’ll also include 1/8 each paprika, celery seeds, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients in a bowl and turn the mixture into a container. Then, seal the lid and store it for three months in a cool, dry place.
Does dry onion soup mix have MSG?
MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a flavor enhancer commonly added to canned foods, vegetables, soups, and processed meat. And though it’s classified as a safe ingredient by The Food and Drugs Administration, recurrent complaints about people with adverse reactions to foods containing it have surfaced. As such, a mandate to indicate the addition of MSG on the label of any product has been made. But you won’t have such issues if you’re making it at home.
Conclusion
Dry onion soup mix is a blessing to whoever knows its significance, so you might be bothered if you can’t get some. But whatever the reason for doing without it, these substitutes can help you fill its void. And with them, you can keep making great-tasting dishes without needing to rely on dry onion soup mix.