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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.003.0093.001

Peas and Shrimp

Peas and Shrimp

RCI-VG.004.1011.001

Pecan and Mushroom Burgers

* Source: Eating Well, Summer 2002 * Formatted by ChupaBabi in MC: 06.20.07 * Makes 8 servings

RCI-VG.004.1012.001

Pecan Corn Bread Stuffing

Use a cornbread recipe made just with cornmeal or using rice flour for a no gluten recipe.

RCI-SN.001.0288.001

Pecan-crusted Artichoke and Cheese Spread

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 15 to 20 app

RCI-RC.004.0217.001

Pecan Rice Stuffing I

Makes 12 servings

RCI-ND.002.0100.001

Pecan Spinach Pasta

Vegan Cuisine

RCI-SP.003.0495.001

Pedernales River Chili

was American President Lyndon Johnson's favorite chili con carne recipe. It was named after the location of his Texas Hill Country ranch. S. Senate Majority Leader) and also adds tomatoes and onions.

RCI-SF.001.0275.001

Peixe a Lumbo

Shrimp and fish stew that originated in Mozambique, South Africa and serves four (4). There is known Portuguese influence upon many of the recipes of Mozambique. This nation being a coastal area, fishing becomes a very important food source.

Pelmeni
RCI-ND.007.0042.001

Pelmeni

Pelmeni

RCI-ND.001.0079.001

Penne All'amatriciana

Submitted by Ishamael Pasta with a spicy, smoky red sauce. And easy, too!

RCI-ND.001.0080.001

Penne All'Arrabiata

For 2 persons

RCI-ND.001.0082.001

Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0087.001

Penne with Roasted Red Peppers and Zucchini

Penne with Roasted Red Peppers and Zucchini from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0088.001

Penne with Spring Vegetables

Penne with Spring Vegetables from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 6

RCI-VG.004.1013.001

Pennsylvania Hot Slaw

From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Original recipe Ready in: < 30 minutes Serves/Makes: 4

RCI-MT.004.0637.001

Pepian en Pollo

It serves 4-6 people and normally takes 1 hour to prepare. Serve with or without rice.

Pepper Chicken
RCI-MT.004.0638.001

Pepper Chicken

Recipe by Hooked on Heat

RCI-ND.007.0043.001

Pepperoni Pockets

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.004.0246.001

Pepper Pot

I usually cook this dish for carnival Sunday and keep some for Monday after playing mas.

RCI-MT.001.0197.001

Peppers and Steak

Peppers and Steak from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0198.001

Peppers and Steak for Crockpot

Peppers and Steak for Crockpot from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0450.001

Pepper Slaw

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Marlboro C

RCI-SF.001.0278.001

Perch Polish-style

In Romanian: Salau polonez

RCI-MT.004.0640.001

Peri-Peri Chicken Livers

Peri-Peri Chicken Livers from the Recidemia collection

Perkedel Djagung
RCI-SN.002.0241.001

Perkedel Djagung

Indonesian corn burgers.

RCI-RC.001.0152.001

Persian Chicken Pilaf

Persian Chicken Pilaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0452.001

Persian Cucumber and Tomato Salad

.

RCI-VG.001.0453.001

Persian Cucumber-Yogurt Salad

Persian Cucumber-Yogurt Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0641.001

Persian Cutlet

I first had these on a trip to California with my friend and his sister. We had them picnic-style, served cold, with nane lavash, and chutney. You can serve them warm also. They are good as an appetizer as well as a main course.

RCI-MT.004.0642.001

Persian Polo Chicken

I got this recipe from my upstairs neighbor who is Persian and always has the most wonderful smells coming out of her house

RCI-SP.003.0501.001

Persian Pumpkin Stew

Persian Pumpkin Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1019.001

Persian Stuffed Grape Leaves

Serves six as a meal or 12 as an appetizer.

RCI-VG.001.0454.001

Persian Tomato and Cucumber Salad

A very light and refreshing salad that goes well with everything. The longer this stays the better it taste. You will also notice that the liquid increases as the salad sits.

RCI-MT.004.0643.001

Peru a Brasileira

Peru a Brasileira

RCI-SN.003.0198.001

Peruvian Puffs

Peruvian Puffs

RCI-SP.003.0504.001

Pesto Soup

Sabzi

RCI-SW.002.0080.001

Philly Cheesesteak

Philly Cheesesteak from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.005.0117.001

Pho Chay

Pho Chay is a vegetable pho soup, that can be served hot.

RCI-SC.001.0045.001

Picante Sauce

Picante Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0145.001

Pickled Black-eyed Peas

Note that the black-eyed peas must marinate overnight.

RCI-PF.001.0026.001

Pickled Coleslaw

Pickled Coleslaw from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0150.001

Pickled Gerkin Soup

Alternate version: The soup can be made richer by adding some thick cream together with the gherkins.

RCI-VG.005.0157.001

Pickled Okra

Makes about 2 pints.

RCI-SF.001.0280.001

Pick Up Salt Fish

Serve with one of the following or combination of all: Jamaican water crackers, fried green plantains, yellow or white yam, flour dumplings and boiled bananas

RCI-SC.005.0135.001

Pico de Galloo

Pico de Galloo from the Recidemia collection

Pierogi
RCI-ND.007.0044.002

Pierogi

).

RCI-SN.001.0294.001

Pierogie Filling:Saurkraut Filling

Poland

RCI-VG.003.0096.001

Pigeon Peas

Pigeon Peas from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0648.001

Pigeon Roast

Cooking time: 1¼ hours Serves 2 to 4

RCI-PF.001.0027.001

Pig's Foot Souse

Pig's Foot Souse from the Recidemia collection