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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-VG.004.0983.001

Out on the Range Beans

Out on the Range Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0186.001

Oven Hash

oven hash

RCI-MT.001.0187.001

Oven Swiss Steak

Original recipe Ready in: 2 – 5 hrs Serves/Makes: 8

RCI-SP.001.0096.001

Oxtail Consommé with Sherry

I have more cookbooks... but many do not have recipes on page 17. It's usually some part of an intro to the cookbook.

RCI-BR.004.0391.001

Oxtail Soup

Oxtail Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0988.001

Oyster Bread Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Southern L

RCI-SF.002.0195.001

Oyster Stew with Tomatoes and Rice

This is a unique and delicious version of the traditional oyster stew

RCI-MT.001.0190.001

Packaged Steak Supper

Packaged Steak Supper from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0146.001

Paella Casserole

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.004.0210.001

Paella Salad II

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.001.0147.001

Paella - Spanish Rice

Paella is a rice dish, originally from Valencia, Spain, where it is eaten especially on Sundays and in Falles.

RCI-SP.003.0478.001

Pae Pya Khao

Pae Pya Khao (Fried tofu) is an excellent appetizer or a side dish for vegetarians. It’s also best served with bread. Serves 4 people.

RCI-BR.008.0144.001

Pajeon

Green onion pancake Pajeon (Green Onion Pancake)

RCI-MT.004.0623.001

Pakistani Chicken with Rice

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SF.001.0259.001

Paksiu

Paksiu from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0144.001

Palak Aur Kali Mirch Ka Soup

right|Name of the Recipe

RCI-SP.005.0181.001

Palak Muragh

right|Name of the Recipe

RCI-SP.003.0480.001

Palmnut Soup

Palmnut Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0482.001

Panama Clam Chowder

Panama Clam Chowder from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0242.001

Panamanian Sancocho de Gallina

Panamanian Sancocho de Gallina from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.001.0059.001

Pan Bagnat I

Sandwiches, Monaco-style Serves 6

RCI-SP.005.0183.001

Paneer butter masala

also known as Paneer Makhani is a vegetarian dish from India which is also popular in the west. The dish combines paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a butter sauce quite similar to butter chicken.

RCI-VG.004.0997.001

Paneer Shimla Mirch

Cottage cheese with peppers

RCI-SN.003.0190.001

Paparac-Kvietka Salad

Fern flower salad

RCI-SN.002.0233.001

Papas Rellenas

Papas Rellenas

RCI-SP.005.0186.002

Paprika Chicken

Paprika Chicken is a dish of Hungarian origin traditionally made with chicken, paprika and lard, served over pasta. There is no official recipe. Preparations of this dish often vary between families.

RCI-SC.007.0231.001

Parade Magazine's Sheila Lukins' Favorite Bar-B-Q Sauce

* Makes 3 cups

RCI-SP.003.0485.001

Paraguayan Beef Soup

Paraguayan Beef Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0149.001

Parmesan Rice and Pasta Pilaf

I suggest using a whole grain pasta and rice here and adjust the cooking time accordingly for better nutrition.

RCI-MT.004.0634.001

Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing

Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1005.001

Passover Stuffing with Chestnuts and Mushroom

Passover Stuffing with Chestnuts and Mushroom from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0487.001

Pasta and bean soup

(Pasta Fagioli) is a true classical Italian peasant dish, again overcomplicated all too often by highfallutin' chefs.

RCI-ND.005.0099.001

Pasta and Veggie Salad

Pasta and Veggie Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0065.001

Pasta Fagiola

Spaghetti Sauce (Meatless) by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-VG.001.0442.001

Pasta Verde Salad

Pasta Verde Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0087.001

Pasta with a Twist

Pasta with a Twist from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0090.001

Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-VG.004.1006.001

Pasta with Green Beans and Mushrooms

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SN.003.0193.001

Pastina - stuffed Avocado

Pastina - stuffed Avocado from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0115.001

Patatas Bravas

A tasty spanish apetiser - crispy fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce topping.

RCI-SP.003.0492.001

Patrick's Irish Lamb Soup

Patrick's Irish Lamb Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0493.001

Pawtucket Chili

Pawtucket Chili from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0201.001

Peachy Ham Dinner

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SN.003.0196.001

Pean's Sausage Mushroom Appetizers

by user Pean

RCI-VG.003.0092.001

Peanut Burgers with Satay Sauce

Peanut Burgers with Satay Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.005.0109.001

Peanut Butter Noodles

Try this recipe for a change from the usual and common Pasta/noodles recipe.

RCI-SC.006.0023.001

Peanut sauce 2

Peanut sauce 2 from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.006.0024.001

Peanut Sauce Benin

Peanut Sauce Benin from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.002.0019.001

Pearl Barley Risotto

Risotto can be made with pearl barley instead of Arborio rice. The advantages of using barley instead of rice are that it's cheaper and doesn't require so much stirring. The correct texture is slightly chewy.

RCI-RC.004.0216.001

Peas and Rice

Peas and Rice from the Recidemia collection