
onion
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.
Used In
Recipes Using onion (2,755)
Mennonite Old-fashioned Beef Pot Pie
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6 to 8
Mexicali Bean and Chicken Soup
Mexicali Bean and Chicken Soup from the Recidemia collection
Mexicali Pork with Rice
Makes 6 servings.
Mexican Bean Salad
Contributed by Barb in Ocala, Florida via Catsrecipes Y-
Mexican Burger
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Yield: about 8 ser
Mexican Omelet
From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Original recipe Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes Makes 6 servings
Mexican pan bread
Mexican pan bread from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Pork and Bean Soup
Mexican Pork and Bean Soup
Mexican Rice
Mexican Rice from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Sopa de Fideos
Mexican sopa de fideos (noodle Soup), from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group Serves 4 to 6
Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe
Original recipe Can be frozen Makes 6 – 8 servings
Mexican Surprise Meatballs
Mexican Surprise Meatballs from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Yellow Rice
Makes 6 servings.

MGM Grand Spicy Jambalaya
MGM Grand Spicy Jambalaya Here is the MGM Grand specialty Spicy Jambalaya. This is in a large quantity so you may want to consider cutting this one back in size.
Middle Eastern Kufta
Middle Eastern Kufta from the Recidemia collection
Middle Eastern Meatballs
Middle Eastern Meatballs
Mid-East Pilaf
Makes 6 servings.
Mielieroomsop
Sweet-corn soup is served on game lodges in the Tuli Block in the south of Botswana. It is something different to spoil your guests with.
Mienski Salad
Mienski Salad from the Recidemia collection
Mike Roy's Ham Bone Bean Soup
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Come Into
Milk Pork
Milk Pork from the Recidemia collection
Minestra
- a typical Genoese dish not to be confused with the Basque ‘menestra’ which is simply mixed boiled vegetables, or with Italian minestrone, a thick vegetable soup.
Minestra Dagnello
This is THE Lamb SOUP for a quiet, intimate evening on a rainy day. My family uses white Burgundy wine which blends wonderfully with the vegetables and ends up tasting a bit sweet. Children wont even know there's wine in the soup.
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone Soup from the Recidemia collection
Minestrone Soup I
Easily turn this into a vegetarian soup by using vegetable stock instead of water and chicken stock cube.
Minestrone Soup II
Serves 10-12; preparation time 20 minutes; cooking time 2 hours. The soup may also be frozen before the macaroni is added.
Minestrone Vegetable Soup
Minestrone Vegetable Soup means big soup, this soup is a meal full of vegetables, you can easily substitute for another vegetable if desired.
Miniature Crab Rice Puffs
Makes 4 dozen puffs.
Mini Breakfast Quiches
Mini Breakfast Quiches from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, government resource in the public domain Serves: 2
Mini-cheeseburger Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Mini Meatball Soup
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray Show: 30 Minute Meals Episode: 30-Minute Chocolate Blast From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Mini Seafood Casseroles
This recipe comes from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group Makes 4 individual casseroles
Mint Chutney I
Active time: 10 min | Start to finish: 30 min Makes about 1¼ cups
Misa Mach Poora
Ethnicity - Assamee, East Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner
Mish Qingjji me Barbunja
Veal with large lima beans
Miso and Mustard Tofu Scramble
Miso and Mustard Tofu Scramble from the Recidemia collection
Mississippi Rice Salad
Makes 6 servings
Mixed Cereal Stew
A few years ago, swapping his Mercedes for a Toyota was Lesotho King Moshoeshoe II’s gesture to show his commitment to wealth redistribution. But it won’t be easy.
Mixed Garden Casserole
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at
Mixed Grill Shwarma Sandwiches
From Jordan come these delicious rolled and grilled sandwiches made from lamb, chicken, and Middle Eastern spices. If you want to substitute flour tortillas for the pita bread, we won't tell.
Mixed Salad
Mixed Salad from the Recidemia collection
Mixed vegetables
Several different dishes are called ""; they all consist primarily of different kinds of vegetables cut into pieces and mixed together, then either served as-is or else cooked, typically by sautéing.
Mixed Vegetables
Several different dishes are called ""; they all consist primarily of different kinds of vegetables cut into pieces and mixed together, then either served as-is or else cooked, typically by sautéing.
Mjeddrah
Mjeddrah is a stout lentil and rice stew, a Lebanese staple.
Modified Chili Con Carne
Modified Chili Con Carne from the Recidemia collection
Molded Crab Meat Salad
Makes 6-8 servings
Moldovan Corn Soup
Moldovan Corn Soup from the Recidemia collection
Moldovan Lentil Soup
Moldovan Lentil Soup from the Recidemia collection
Moldovan Vinaigrette
Moldovan Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection