Chef Kevin Gillespie: Cooking with Vidalia Onions

Chef, Cookbook author and finalist for the TV show “Top Chef”, Chef Kevin Gillespie shares why he loves cooking with Vidalia Onions and a recipe featuring Vidalia onions, which he says is the “taste of the season.”

Vidalia onions (#OnlyVidalia), the official vegetable for the state of Georgia, are grown on 12,000 acres annually and represent about 40 percent of the sweet onion market. Available only in the spring and summer month and sold in every state, the annual value of the crop is about $150 million. Vidalia onions began shipping to stores and restaurants on April 20th.

Caramelized Vidalia Onion Dip
By Chef Kevin Gillespie

2 Tablespoons butter
3 baseball sized Vidalia Onions, sliced thin
1.5 cups full fat sour cream
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese
1 tsp Aromat seasoning
1 dash worchestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
2 Tablespoons thinly sliced chives
Kosher salt
Baking soda

Melt butter in a pan. Add onions, a pinch of salt, and a tiny pinch of baking soda. Cover and cook for 2 minutes. Remove cover and cook until the onions are deep golden brown.

Add all ingredients, except chives, to the bowl of a food processor. Blend until smooth. Remove from food processor and fold in chives. Adjust seasoning with more salt if necessary. Serve chilled with root veggie chips.

MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT: VIDALIAONION.ORG

Interview courtesy of Vidalia Onion Committee