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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-SC.004.0032.001

Pikante Bruine Saus

This spicy brown sauce goes well with hare, venison, wild duck, steak, ox tongue and mutton.

RCI-RC.001.0156.001

Pilafi me Garides

Pilafi me Garides Rice pilaf with shrimp Serves 6 – 10

RCI-MT.004.0651.001

Pineapple Chicken

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 4 to 6

RCI-SF.001.0281.001

Pineapple-Fish Balls

Pineapple-Fish Balls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0223.001

Pineapple Fried Rice

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Categories: Or

RCI-SW.002.0082.001

Pineapple Pork Patties

Pork, Ground, Frozen by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 8

RCI-RC.006.0091.001

Pine Nut Rice Dressing

Makes 6 servings

RCI-VG.004.1028.001

Pinto Beans with Potatoes

This dish traditionally is made with manioc (also known as cassava), but potatoes are a reasonable substitute. Serves 6 – 8.

RCI-VG.004.1029.001

Pioneer Bean Pot

Pioneer Bean Pot from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0510.001

Pistou Vegetable Soup

Pistou Vegetable Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0239.001

Pizzaburgers

With a rich taste of fennel and oozing mozzarella cheese, these hot sandwiches are going to disappear quickly. This recipe serves 6, assuming each person only has 1 sandwich. In reality, plan on making more if you've got a hungry crowd to feed.

RCI-SN.003.0202.001

Pizza Pinwheels

Pizza Pinwheels from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0204.001

Pizza Steak and Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-ND.006.0061.001

Pizza Stew

Makes 2½ cups of soup. Gee! There isn't any for Bert!!!!

RCI-SW.004.0035.001

Pizza that is Half Pepperoni and the other Half is Broccoli

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 12 servings.

RCI-SP.003.0511.001

Placenta stew

Placenta stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0099.001

Plantain Soup

Here is a unique soup for all you adventurous chefs:) Please do not let your plantains turn yellow-black because they will turn sweet. Must use green plantains.

RCI-DS.004.0219.001

Poached Carp

In Romanian: Crap rasol

RCI-EG.002.0057.001

Poached Eggs on Baked Potato Pancakes

Poached Eggs on Baked Potato Pancakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0150.001

Poblano Chili Soup with Chicken and Onion

Yields 4 to 6 servings

RCI-RC.001.0160.001

Poblano Rice

Serve with grilled chicken, seafood or steak.

RCI-SP.001.0100.001

Poblano Rice Soup

Makes 8 servings

RCI-SP.003.0512.001

Poblano Veal Chili

* Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes by Surrey Books * Yield: 4 servings

RCI-BR.006.0264.001

Polenta Pie

Polenta is an Italian term for a type of corn meal used in northern Italy, and pizza base was originally made with iit.

RCI-VG.002.0119.001

Polish Placki Kartoflane

(Potato Pancakes) Purchased from the Weir Estate in Canton, Texas in 1990. Date on card says 1899.

RCI-VG.001.0462.001

Polish Tomato Salad

Polish Tomato Salad

RCI-SW.002.0083.001

Politically Correct BBQ Sandwiches

Politically Correct BBQ Sandwiches from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0657.001

Pollo a la Catalana

Catalan Chicken Contributed by World Recipes Y-GroupThis Y-group is international. Good food from all parts of the world. A place where we can share the wonderful food from all over the world.

RCI-SP.004.0250.001

Pollo Arvejado

300px| Pollo Arvejado This recipe is for 6 servings

RCI-MT.004.0663.001

Pollo en Mole de Cacahuate\Chicken with Peanut Mole Sauce

Pollo en Mole de Cacahuate\Chicken with Peanut Mole Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0664.001

Pollo en Pepian Dulce

Mayan chicken fricassee. Easy to prepare and nice in taste.

RCI-MT.004.0665.001

Pollo en Pina I

Guatemalan chicken with pineapple. It smells sooo good while it cooks!

RCI-MT.004.0669.001

Pollo Rancho Luna

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SN.002.0247.001

Polori

Polori from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0241.001

Polpetta

Meatballs.

RCI-MT.004.0672.001

Pomegranate Chicken or Duck

Pomegranate Chicken or Duck from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0673.001

Poora Haah

Ethnicity - Assamee, East Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-SN.003.0207.001

Popcorn Salad

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.005.0189.001

Pork and Peanut Stew

Serve with the chopped cilantro and peanuts on top.

RCI-SP.004.0252.001

Porkchop Étouffée

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-MT.002.0210.001

Pork Chops Dijon

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

RCI-MT.002.0216.001

Pork Chops with Rice Royale

Makes 2 servings

RCI-MT.002.0217.001

Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SN.005.0052.001

Pork Empanadas

Pork Empanadas from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0268.001

Pork Pot Pie

Pork Pot Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0220.001

Pork Roast

Serves 4 to 6 Cooking time: 3½ hours

RCI-SP.003.0516.001

Pork Stew and Peas

This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com

RCI-MT.002.0226.001

Pork Tenderloin with Rice and Prune Stuffing

Makes 3 servings

RCI-MT.002.0227.001

Pork with Spinach and Mandarin Oranges

Makes 6 servings

RCI-ND.001.0090.001

Porky Spaghetti

A TNT recipe From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: My old recipes Makes 4 to 6 servings