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onion

ProducePeak season varies by region and harvest timing; in the Northern Hemisphere, onions are harvested June through September, with storage extending availability year-round. Certain regions practice spring harvesting of green/scallion onions, while mature bulbs remain available throughout the year in most markets.

Onions are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and prebiotic compounds (inulin). They contain quercetin and other polyphenolic antioxidants, particularly concentrated in the outer layers and red varieties.

About

The onion (Allium cepa) is a bulbous vegetable belonging to the amaryllidaceae family, native to the highlands of Central Asia. The edible bulb consists of concentric layers of modified leaves containing sulfurous compounds responsible for the characteristic pungent aroma and tear-inducing properties when cut. Common varieties include yellow (sweet and mellow), red (slightly sweeter with mild peppery notes), and white onions (sharper, more pungent), each offering distinct flavor profiles and textural qualities. The plant's flavor compounds transform dramatically with cooking—sulphur-containing compounds break down into sweet, caramelized notes through the Maillard reaction.

Yellow onions are the most versatile all-purpose variety in European and North American cuisines, while red onions are preferred for raw preparations due to their milder flavor and visual appeal. Pearl onions and cipollini represent smaller, sweeter cultivars used for specific applications.

Culinary Uses

Onions function as a foundational aromatic base in countless cuisines worldwide. They are sautéed as a primary component in mirepoix (French), soffritto (Italian), and holy trinity preparations (Louisiana Creole), forming the flavor foundation for stocks, soups, stews, and sauces. Caramelized onions develop deep, sweet complexity through prolonged cooking and appear in French onion soup, as a burger topping, and in numerous savory tarts.

Raw onions provide sharp, pungent flavor to fresh salsas, slaws, pickles, and salads. Grilled or roasted onions become tender and develop subtle sweetness, complementing grilled meats and vegetables. Creamed onions, onion relishes, and crispy fried onions represent further preparations across global culinary traditions.

Recipes Using onion (2,749)

RCI-SW.001.0100.001

Low-carb Easy Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Contributed by Lil at [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/Catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Source: Wei

RCI-ND.001.0283.001

Low-cholesterol Marinara Sauce

Low-cholesterol Marinara Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0471.001

Low-fat Beef and Black-eyed Peas

The crockpot does wonders for lean cuts of beef, which can be tough and chewy. A day in the crockpot makes it meltingly tender.

RCI-MT.001.0150.001

Low-fat Catfish and Roasted Pepper Skillet Supper

Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Serves: 4

RCI-SC.004.0029.001

Low-fat Gravy

Yield: 2 cups

RCI-SN.004.0654.001

Lubya Khadra Billahma

This recipe is for 8 serves.

RCI-SN.004.0727.001

Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing

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RCI-SF.002.0518.001

Lumpia

Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group]

RCI-MT.005.0146.001

Lumpia Shanghai

A recipe all Filipinos are proud of! Lumpia (Shanghai type) is a type of egg roll, except it's mainly filled with meat. You could use pork or beef or both! It's a yummy recipe and great to serve as side dish or appetizer.

RCI-BR.005.0418.001

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese from Recipes for Better Nutrition During Cancer Treatment by the National Cancer Institute, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Soft, moist, and nourishing, this recipe is just as popular with or without milk.

RCI-BR.005.0194.001

Macaroni Vegetable Skillet

Macaroni Vegetable Skillet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0730.001

Mackerel Run Down

RCI-SP.001.0081.001

Mahshy

Stuffed eggplant with rice

RCI-MT.006.0311.001

Makhan Murg

Butter chicken.

RCI-SF.002.0174.001

Malagache Lobster with Rice

Malagache Shrimp with rice - Serves 25

RCI-SN.004.0598.001

Malay Beef Rantang

The most simple recipe to make rendang, but it still taste delicious. You can use the same ingredients and directions to make Chicken rendang (enough for 1 whole Chicken).

RCI-SP.001.0205.001

Malaysian-style Oxtail Soup

This broth is so flavorful and so authentic. It tastes sort of like the Vietnamese "Pho" beef noodle soup. The only thing missing is the star anise. This will make you look like a seasoned-cultured cook!

RCI-MT.006.0543.001

Malaysian Vindaloo

The name 'vindaloo' is actually of Portugese origin, which means wine and garlic. The dish was introduced during the Portugese occupation. You can use either Pork or Chicken for this recipe.

RCI-MT.006.0502.001

Malibu Rice

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-SN.001.0338.001

Mango and Tomatillo Salsa

Fruits and Veggies Matter, Adult Recipe Cards by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—original source of recipe, public domain government resource This is not your everyday Latin salsa.

RCI-MT.002.0168.001

Mango Barbecue Sauce with a Bite!

Mango Barbecue Sauce with a Bite! from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0165.001

Mango BBQ Sauce

Mango BBQ Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0072.001

Mango Dal

also known as Amchur Dal is a vegetarian dish from Southern India which is also popular in the west. The dish is popular amongst vegetarians and persons who wish to limit the amount of meat in their diet.

RCI-BR.001.0317.001

Mango Ham Loaf

Mango Ham Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.001.0044.001

Mango Mango Mango Chutney

Mango Mango Mango Chutney from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0318.001

Mango Meat Loaf

Mango Meat Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0444.001

Manhattan Catfish Chowder

A Catfish recipe. Serves 4.

RCI-MT.006.1218.001

Manhattan Chicken Chowder

A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Ingredients by the USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 10

RCI-SP.003.0063.001

Mapo Doufu

(麻婆豆腐) is a classic spicy tofu and meat dish from Szechuan province in China. It is a very flavourful, easy to prepare, and spicy dish.

RCI-SC.003.0334.001

Marengo Meat Balls with Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-ND.001.0340.001

Marinara by Ishamael

Used in Baked Ziti

RCI-SF.001.0015.001

Marinated Mackerel

Cuisine of the UK

RCI-VG.001.0705.001

Marinated Shrimp Salad

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.004.0820.001

Mark's Kidney Bean Salad

Mark's Kidney Bean Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0427.001

Maryland Crab-Corn Stew

This recipe comes from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group Serves 6

RCI-SN.004.1368.001

Masala Bhindi

Ethnicity - Awadhi, North Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-VG.004.0003.001

Masaledaar chole

(Chickpeas in spicy gravy)

RCI-MT.002.0280.001

Mashed Potatoes-Carrots-Parsnip-Kale

Mashed potatoes in a healthy combination with root and winter vegetables.

RCI-VG.004.1020.001

Masoor Dahl Soup

Masoor Dahl

RCI-VG.004.0445.001

Masoor Rajmani Dal

Recipe courtesy of Bal Bhadra Singh, Corporate Master Chef at Bandhani Restaurant at The Pride Hotel, Ahmedabad. Contributed by Indiancuisineandculture Y-Group ...

RCI-SN.004.1288.001

Mas Riha

Mas Riha from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0339.001

Matambre I

Argentine stuffed flank steak. My other mother, Irma Ramerez in Yuma, Arizona gave me this one. The only thing I changed was going to baby carrots.

RCI-RC.001.0077.001

Matar Pulao

Peas pilaf

RCI-SF.001.0464.001

Matjeri Masala

Matjeri Masala from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0186.001

Matsoni Yoghurt Soup

Matsoni Yoghurt Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0149.001

Maui Mingle

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.004.0248.001

Maushawa (pulse and yoghurt soup)

Maushawa (pulse and yoghurt soup) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0096.001

Mbanga

A soup made from the fruit of the African oil palm.

RCI-MT.006.0382.001

Meal-in-One Stir-Fry

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-BR.006.0176.001

Meat and Mushroom Pub Pies

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/world_recipes/ World Re