Take a drive to the west side for Aloun Farms’ Third Annual Sweet Onion Festival, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 25 and 26. Purchase onions and other fresh, local produce while the keiki enjoy a hayride and other activities.
Bring canned goods for the Hawaii Foodbank and receive a free Ewa sweet onion. Admission is $3; keiki under 2 free. For free admission, bring two garbage-size bags of gently used clothes.
The farm is along Farrington Highway between Waipahu and Kapolei. Call 392-1397 or visit alounfarms.com.
In the meantime, enjoy these onion recipes from our friends at Aloun Farms.
EWA SWEET ONION MARMALADE
» 3 tablespoons virgin olive oil
» 2 to 3 large sweet onions
» 1 tablespoon dried pepper flakes (optional)
» 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
» 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
» 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
» 1 tablespoon butter
» Salt and pepper, to taste
In large pot over medium, heat oil. Add onions and pepper flakes, if using. Cover and cook until onions are tender, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Add sugar and vinegars.
Cook uncovered until onions are very tender and mixture is thick, stirring frequently, 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Cool completely; cover and refrigerate.
Can be prepared 4 days ahead. Serve with fresh bread or crackers. Makes 2 cups.
Approximate nutritional information, per 2-tablespoon serving (not including salt to taste): 60 calories, 3.5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 10 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrate, 6 g sugar, no cholesterol, fiber or protein
EWA SWEET ONION CRAB DIP RECIPE
» 1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
» 7 ounces crab meat
» 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
» 1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
» 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
» Salt and pepper, to taste
Heat oven to broil.
In large bowl, combine all ingredients. Spoon into shallow baking dish. Broil until top starts to brown. Serve hot with vegetables, bread or crackers. Makes 3 cups.
Approximate nutritional information, per 2-tablespoon serving (not including salt to taste): 35 calories, 2 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, 2 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 1 g sugar, 2 g protein
PAN SEARED STEAK WITH CARAMELIZED EWA SWEET ONIONS
» 4 tablespoons butter, divided
» 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
» Salt and pepper
» 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
» 2 pounds sirloin steak
» 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
In saute pan on medium-low, add 2 tablespoons each butter and olive oil. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally until caramelized, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
Increase heat to medium and add remaining oil; add steak and fry until brown, about 6 minutes on each side for medium doneness. Remove and set aside.
Pour broth into pan and scrape bits off bottom. Add remaining butter and caramelized onions. Simmer until only 1/4 of liquid is left. Serve onions with steak. Serves 4.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including salt to taste): 700 calories, 53 g fat, 20 g saturated fat, 185 mg cholesterol, 350 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 47 g protein
More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at hawaiianelectric.com.
