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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.

Used In

Recipes Using onion (2,755)

RCI-MT.003.0068.001

North American Haggis

North American Haggis

RCI-BR.008.0126.001

North Carolina Tarheel Hushpuppies

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-VG.004.0958.001

Northern Bean Soup

A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods by the USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 8

RCI-MT.005.0218.001

Norwegian Burgers

Norwegian Burgers

RCI-MT.005.0220.001

Not-so-Sloppy Joes

Contributed by Lil at Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Rey

RCI-VG.004.0961.001

Nut and Potato Roast

(from my Grandmother's collection) Date on card is 1910.

RCI-SP.003.0459.001

Nut 'n' Mushroom Soup

.

RCI-VG.002.0101.001

Oakhill Potatoes

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny via World R

RCI-RC.004.0197.001

Ochro Rice

Ochro Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0232.001

Ogbono Soup I

Just like the egusi, ogbono soup is thoroughly enjoyed by all Nigerians. It is a particular favourite amongst the lbos in the east to whom this superb soup is deemed incomplete without the addition stockfish.

RCI-SN.002.0224.001

Ojojo

Serve hot with hot pap or agidi.

RCI-BR.008.0137.001

Okonomi Yaki

Veggie pancakes. These patties may remind you of Tempura but are really quite different. Serve them with a nice spicy sauce or with soy sauce. Some like to put butter on them. It depends on your meal or if you are eating them as a snack.

RCI-SP.003.0461.001

Okra and Shrimp Soup

There are many ways to prepare it. It can be made with beef, chicken, shrimp, or oysters. No matter which you choose the preparation is quick and easy, and the end result is always delicious.

RCI-VG.004.0967.001

Okra Bhaji

Okra Bhaji from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0462.001

Okra Leaves

Okra Leaves from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0140.001

Okra Pilau

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.003.0463.001

Okra Soup

A Delicious Meat Soup

RCI-MT.001.0177.001

Oksekød med Peberrod

Oksekød med Peberrod Boiled beef with horseradish Serves 6

RCI-SP.003.0465.001

Old Belarusian Kapusnik

Cabbage soup

RCI-MT.001.0179.001

Old-fashioned Barbecued Sirloin

com Copyright © 1996-1998 Meals For You.

RCI-SP.004.0233.001

Old-fashioned Beef Stew

From Menu and Recipes Week 10/14/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-SP.004.0234.001

Old-fashioned Beef Stew I

A stew you will serve in soup bowls: dark-brown beef and vegetables in lots of rich gravy.

RCI-VG.004.0974.001

Old-fashioned Broccoli Rice Casserole

Makes 6 servings

RCI-BR.006.0226.001

Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pies

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Get Togeth

RCI-SC.003.0143.001

Old-fashioned Herb Marinade

Recipe by Arleen Kaptur.

RCI-ND.007.0040.001

Old-fashioned Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing

Makes 2½ cups stuffing, enough for 3 – 4 pound chicken.

RCI-MT.005.0221.001

Old-fashioned Meatloaf for Two

Old-fashioned Meatloaf for Two from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0179.001

Old-fashioned Onion Board

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Mr. Food *

RCI-VG.002.0102.001

Old-fashioned Potato Salad

This Ol'fashioned potato salad is for any time any place. Easy to make easy to eat ! Enjoy !

RCI-SN.002.0225.001

Old-fashioned Rice Croquettes

Makes 8 servings

RCI-VG.003.0091.001

Oleleh

Oleleh from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0467.001

Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

The Olive Garden is known for their creamy chicken and gnocchi soup. This is a rich soup that you can make a full meal from this soup alone. This soup features roasted chicken, potato gnocchi, carrots, celery, and spinach.

RCI-ND.006.0055.001

Olive Garden Pasta

This tastes exactly like the Pasta e fagioli soup at the Olive Garden. Wonderful! Husband loves it!

RCI-SP.003.0470.001

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana I

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana From Check Restaurant Secret Recipes Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cook time: 30 Minutes Serves: 2

RCI-MT.004.0604.001

Oluwombo

Oluwombo or Luwombo is a traditional dish from Uganda. It is both a classic dish of Royal dinners and a dish popular throughout Uganda, especially at holiday time.

RCI-VG.004.0977.001

Omani Foul

Omani Foul from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.001.0040.001

Omelette - Tortilla

Omelette - Tortilla from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.007.0089.001

Onion and Egg Patties

Recipe by Hooked on Heat

RCI-VG.001.0422.001

Onion and Pepper Salad

Onion and Pepper Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.002.0037.001

Onion Butter Sauce for Steak

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: my old rec

RCI-BR.002.0077.001

Onion-Fennel Flatbread

Fast-rising makes these moist, fragrant breads quick to prepare. Serve them warm, accompanied with butter or with olive oil for dipping. Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Recipes Y-Group Makes 4.

RCI-SC.007.0226.001

Onion Soup Mix

Onion Soup Mix

RCI-SP.004.0236.001

Opelousas Oyster Gumbo

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SW.002.0074.001

Open-faced Sunshine Burgers

Open-faced Sunshine Burgers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0144.001

Orange Rice II

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.004.0611.001

Orange-sauced Chicken Stir-fry

Orange-sauced Chicken Stir-fry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.005.0091.001

Oriental Beef Supper

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.006.0088.001

Oriental Pilaf

* Source: 1,001 Recipes For People With Diabetes by Sue Spitler * 8 servings (about ⅔ cups each)

RCI-RC.001.0145.001

Oriental Rice Pilaf

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.004.0205.001

Outdoor Beef and Rice Skillet

Makes 4 servings