The pantry staple Australian cooks can’t stop raving about—and it’s just 55 cents

In the culinary world, there are hidden gems that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, and it seems that one of these treasures has been hiding in plain sight on the shelves of our local Coles and Woolworths. It’s not a rare spice or an exotic condiment, but a humble packet that costs just 55 cents. This secret ingredient is so versatile that it’s taking Australian kitchens by storm.

Chef Tom Walton, a respected name in the Australian food scene, recently shared with Yahoo Lifestyle his fondness for this budget-friendly pantry staple—the French onion soup mix. He praises its ability to add a burst of flavour to dishes, especially when time is of the essence. ‘They’re an easy way to add excitement and convenience to my home cooking—especially when I’m short on time but still want something satisfying and tasty,’ Walton explains.

The beauty of French onion soup mix lies in its simplicity and versatility. For just 55 cents, you can pick up a sachet that can be the secret weapon in a wide array of recipes. From pasta and risotto to potato bakes and braised chicken, this pantry staple can add depth and richness to your meals without the need for a long list of ingredients.

One of Walton’s favourite ways to use the mix is in a creamy braised chicken dish with potatoes and silverbeet. The French onion soup mix melds the flavours together, creating a comforting and delicious sauce that’s sure to please any palate.

But the culinary applications of this mix don’t stop there. Home cooks across Australia have been sharing their own innovative ways to use it. Cheree Lawrence, also known as Oh So Busy Mum, prompted a flurry of responses when she asked her 252k Facebook followers for recipe ideas. The suggestions were as diverse as they were appetising, ranging from lamb chops and roast chicken to sausage rolls and vegetable sauces for pasta.

Here are some of the standout recipes shared by the community:

• Honey-baked chicken: Combine chicken stock, honey, and French onion soup mix, pour over chicken thighs, and bake until the sauce thickens.
• Baby potatoes: Toss baby potatoes in a mixture of the soup mix and vegetable oil, then bake or air fry until tender.
• Sweet and sour meatballs: Mix mince with the soup mix, form into balls, fry, and then coat with sweet and sour sauce. 
• Apricot chicken: Flour chicken pieces, simmer apricot nectar with the soup mix, and bake slowly for a rich and fruity dish.
• Fish dish: Create foil packets with fish fillets, onion, capsicum, French onion powder, butter, and lemon, then bake until the fish is cooked through.

The list goes on, with the mix being used to enhance the flavour of everything from Brussels sprouts to roast beef. It’s even found its way into slow cooker recipes, where it helps create tender, fall-apart meats that are perfect for pies or standalone dishes.

And for those who love to bake, Chef Tom Walton offers an unexpected tip: mix French onion soup mix into focaccia dough for a bread infused with caramelised onion flavour. It’s a creative twist that showcases the mix’s potential beyond soups and dips.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for easy ways to add flavour to your meals, pantry staples like this one can offer surprising versatility.

Have you tried using French onion soup mix in your cooking? What’s your favourite recipe that features this ingredient? Share your culinary secrets and discoveries in the comments below, and let’s continue to inspire each other with affordable and delicious home cooking ideas.

Also read: This $5 gadget could save you time in cooking preparation and clean-ups!