Y’all, let me take you on a journey to Vidalia, GA! 🚗
Picture it: a tiny town in Georgia, complete with one stoplight, a lone Walmart, and just a single movie theater. It sounds quaint, but oh, it's so much more.
What sets Vidalia apart?
It's home to the best darn onions in the USA! 🌟 That's right, I'm talking about Vidalia onions – sweet, crisp, and with a papery skin that practically peels itself.
They're like the royalty of the onion kingdom! 👑 But wait, if you can’t get your hands on the Vidalia onion head out west for the Walla Walla onion! They're like Vidalia's cousin from out Washington, but let’s be real, nothing beats the OG grown in Vidalia, GA.
It’s like how champagne must be from Champagne, France – it's the real deal.
Let’s get down to why these onions are downright legendary. Whether you're sautéing, caramelizing, or enjoying them raw, Vidalia onions are your kitchen's best friend. 🍳 They add a touch of sweetness to everything they touch – salads, dressings, pastas, you name it. And don't even get me started on French onion soup – using Vidalia onions takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. 😋
Now, let me spill the beans – or should I say, onions – about the Vidalia Onion Festival! Every April, Vidalia throws a bash that’s basically an ode to these magical onions. It’s like a playground for onion lovers – there are cook-offs, contests, and onion-themed everything! 🎉
So how can you use them? Well honestly, in anyway you can think of but here's some easy ways on how I use them!
Vidalia Onion 🧅 Rings:
These babies are the stuff of dreams.
🔪 Slice Vidalia onions into rings,
🫰🏾 dip 'em in batter in a mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then
🍳 fry 'em to golden deliciousness aka golden brown.
✨Sprinkle with our To Taste🧂 or Garlic Dust blend, unless you want a kick then try Spicy Garlic Dust 🌶️ The sweetness of the onions paired with the crunchy coating? Perfection. 🤤
Caramelized Vidalia Onion 🧅 Pasta:
Cook pasta (I like angel hair or thin spaghetti) according to package instructions. Meanwhile, sauté sliced Vidalia onions in olive oil until caramelized. Toss with cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs and maybe a dash of garlic dust– you won't believe how deliciously simple it is! 🍝
Now, let's dig into the festival! From onion-eating contests to onion bowling (yes, that's a thing!), it's a non-stop celebration of all things Vidalia. Trust me, you don't wanna miss it!
So, onion enthusiasts! 🎉 If you're ready to dive into the onion extravaganza that is the Vidalia Onion Festival, let me give you the scoop! This year, the festival kicks off on April 23rd and runs through April 28th in charming Vidalia, GA. 🗓️
Now, here's the best part – admission to the festival is totally FREE*!
That's right, you can indulge in all things onion without spending a dime. And for those wondering how far Vidalia is from the nearest big city, we've got you covered – it's about a 2-hour drive from Savannah and a 3-hour drive from Atlanta. So, pack your bags, grab your friends, and get ready to celebrate the beloved Vidalia onion like never before!
Oh, and don't forget to check out the official festival website for all the juicy details. 🌐 #VidaliaOnionFestival #OnionMania #GeorgiaOnMyMind 🍑! 😘✨
*Tickets to the airshow, art walk & concerts are NOT free check ticket prices here
Check out a few cookbooks that showcase the deliciousness that is the onion!
"Southern Living Ultimate Southern Cookbook" by Southern Living Magazine.
The Bland Family Vidalia Onion Cookbook – this is the 1996 version
And one of my favorite cookbook authors! Ottolenghi’s Flavor
Stay Spicy🌶️
