5 from 21 votes
Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip
Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip uses slowly cooked onions and garlic combined with tangy cashew sour cream to create a creamy, savory dip rich in flavor. The long caramelization process develops deep onion sweetness balanced by vinegar's acidity, while fresh chives and optional savory garnishes add fresh and crunchy notes. This plant-based dip suits vegan diets and can be garnished to taste.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Additional Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings:
10
servings
Calories:
92 kcal
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 2 medium onion Or 4 large shallots, yellow, chopped or thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons chives chopped, fresh, divided
- 2 cups cashew sour cream see Notes for tofu sour cream option, or store-bought vegan sour cream
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, fresh, optional
- 1 tablespoon everything but the bagel seasoning See Notes for making your own, lightly toasted
Homemade Cashew Sour Cream:
- 1 ⅓ cups cashew nuts If using a high speed blender, no need to soak. Otherwise, soak cashews in hot water for an hour, then drain, raw
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt fine sea salt
Instructions
Make the sour cream:
- Skip to the next step if using store-bought sour cream. In a high speed blender combine the cashews, water, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder and salt. Blend on high until completely smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cup of Yum
Caramelize the onion and make the dip:
- Preheat a saute pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and ¼ cup broth, and stir to coat. Once the broth has evaporated, let the onion cook undisturbed for about 20 seconds, then add another 3 or 4 tablespoons of broth, stir, and repeat the process until the onions are tender and golden brown and most of the broth has been used. Reduce heat if necessary so the shallots don't brown too quickly. The entire caramelization process should take about 30 minutes.
- Once the onions are tender and pale golden brown, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tablespoon of vinegar, and stir to deglaze the pan. Transfer the mixture to a plate to cool.
- Stir the cooled onions and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives into 2 cups of sour cream. For the best flavor, refrigerate the dip for at least a few hours to overnight. Before serving garnish with toasted Everything Bagel seasoning, chives, and parsley, if desired.
Notes
- The dip develops better flavor if made a day or two ahead; garnish just before serving.
- Store the dip in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain freshness.
- Tofu sour cream can be used as an alternative to cashew sour cream; prepare by blending silken tofu with lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and seeds.
- Everything bagel seasoning used as garnish can be made fresh and lightly toasted to enhance flavor.
Nutrition Information
Calories
92kcal
(5%)
Carbohydrates
9g
(3%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
6g
(9%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
0mg
(0%)
Sodium
150mg
(6%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
50IU
(1%)
Vitamin C
6.6mg
(7%)
Calcium
20mg
(2%)
Iron
1.3mg
(7%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 92
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 92kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 150mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 50IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 6.6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.