Hands down, my fave money and time saving hack! Grab a 10 lb bag of onions from Costco & try this technique

1. Peel the Onions: Start by peeling all the onions. This will take some time, but it’s worth it for the convenience you’ll gain later.
2. Chop or Dice: After peeling, chop or dice the onions according to your preferred cooking style. You can chop them into larger chunks for soups and stews, or dice them finely for sautés, stir-fries, or tacos. Consider what you cook most often, and cut the onions accordingly to save time later.
3. Flash Freeze the Chopped Onions: Once your onions are chopped, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour. Flash freezing prevents the onions from clumping together and allows you to store them in individual portions.
4. Store in Freezer Bags: After the onions are flash frozen, transfer them into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date and the type of onion (if you’ve prepped different sizes). You can easily grab a handful of frozen onions whenever you need them, and they won’t spoil as quickly as fresh ones.

Step 2: Create Onion Paste or Puree for Fast Cooking

Another great time-saving technique is to create onion paste or puree. By blending a large batch of onions, you can use them quickly in a variety of dishes. The paste or puree will save you prep time for everything from sauces to soups, casseroles, and more.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Chop the Onions into Quarters: Cut the peeled onions into quarters to make them easier to blend.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Place the onion quarters in a food processor or blender. Add a little water if needed and blend until smooth, creating a puree.
3. Store in Ice Cube Trays or Small Containers: Pour the onion puree into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers. Each cube or container can represent a portion, making it easy to thaw just the amount you need. This is especially useful when making soups, curries, or other dishes where a smooth onion texture is desired.
4. Freeze and Label: Label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer. You’ll have onion puree ready to go in minutes, allowing you to cook with ease.

Step 3: Dehydrate Onions for Long-Term Storage

If you’re looking for an even longer shelf life for your onions, dehydrating them is an excellent method. Dried onions take up less space, have an indefinite shelf life, and can be rehydrated in soups, stews, and casseroles when needed.

1. Slice the Onions: Cut your onions into thin slices or rings, depending on your preference.
2. Dehydrate: Using a dehydrator (or an oven set on low), dry the onions until they are crisp and brittle. This can take several hours, but it’s a great way to preserve your onions without worrying about spoilage.
3. Store in Airtight Containers: Once dehydrated, store the onions in airtight jars or vacuum-sealed bags. Keep them in a cool, dark place, and they will last for months.

Step 4: Use Pre-Chopped Onions for Meal Prep

If you don’t have time to prepare your onions in bulk and freeze them, pre-chopped onions are another quick and convenient option. You can buy pre-chopped onions from the store, but they can be expensive. Instead, consider chopping your 10 lb bag of onions at once and storing them in a container or plastic bag in the fridge for use throughout the week.

This method is perfect if you meal prep and want to save time each day by having onions ready to go. You can simply grab a handful whenever you need them for your recipes.

Additional Tips for Saving Money and Time with Onions

• Use Onion Scraps: Don’t throw away the onion skins and ends! You can use them to make homemade vegetable broth or compost them to enrich your garden soil.
• Try Caramelizing: Caramelized onions can be made in bulk and stored in the fridge or freezer for use in dishes like burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches. Simply slow-cook sliced onions in oil until they become rich, sweet, and golden brown.
• Mix with Other Veggies: If you’re trying to stretch your onions even further, consider combining them with other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and celery to make flavorful vegetable medleys for soups and stews.

Conclusion

By grabbing a 10 lb bag of onions from Costco and using these simple techniques—peeling, chopping, freezing, pureeing, dehydrating, or pre-chopping—you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also cut down on prep time and reduce food waste. Onions are incredibly versatile and storing them in bulk allows you to always have this essential ingredient on hand. With just a little upfront work, you’ll be able to breeze through meal prep and enjoy flavorful dishes without the hassle of constantly buying new onions.

So, next time you’re at Costco, pick up that 10 lb bag of onions and give these time- and money-saving techniques a try. You’ll be amazed at how much easier cooking can be!