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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.004.1046.001

Portuguese Bean

This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com

RCI-SF.002.0207.001

Portuguese Clam Chowder

This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com

RCI-SP.003.0521.001

Posole

Posole is a traditional Mexican dish from the pacific coast region of Jalisco. A thick soup that's usually made with pork, hominy, garlic, onion, chili peppers, cilantro, and broth. This is a delicious recipe and well worth the effort to make.

RCI-SP.003.0522.001

Posole Blanco

Pork and hominy soup.

RCI-VG.004.1052.001

Potato and Broccoli Rabe Skillet Pie

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RCI-SP.002.0153.001

Potato and Cabbage Soup

(Albanian: ) is an Albanian soup.

RCI-SN.002.0249.001

Potato and Mushroom Croquettes

Potato and Mushroom Croquettes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0421.001

Potato and Onion Pancakes

Crispy Potato Pancakes with a slight hint of Onion.

RCI-BR.004.0422.001

Potato and Parsnip Latkes

Potato and Parsnip Latkes from the Public Health Cookbook, Seattle and King County Office of Public Health—original source of recipe, in the public domain : About 30 minutes : 5

RCI-SN.002.0250.001

Potato Balls

Potato Balls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0156.001

Potato-Carrot Soup

Potato-Carrot Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1056.001

Potato-Chickpea Curry

Curry | Vegan cuisine

RCI-SP.002.0159.001

Potato chowder

Potato chowder from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0160.001

Potato-Corn Chowder

Potato-Corn Chowder from the Recidemia collection

Potato Daal
RCI-VG.004.1057.001

Potato Daal

Potato Daal

RCI-SP.003.0525.001

Potatoes Paprikash

An alternate way to dress up potatoes.

RCI-VG.004.1059.001

Potato-filled Samosas

The dumpling of India, and one of the best, because the dough, which is made with butter and yogurt, is rich and tangy.

RCI-SP.004.0253.001

Potato Gravy with Meat in a Jug

Potato Gravy with Meat in a Jug from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0112.001

Potato Kugel

(Yiddish: קוגל kugl or קוגעל, pronounced koo-gel or ki-gel, also often referred to in the diminutive , ) is any one of a wide variety of traditional baked Jewish Recipes side dishes or desserts. It is sometimes translated as "pudding" or "casserole".

RCI-MT.005.0247.001

Potato Meat Loaf

Midwestern cuisine

RCI-BR.004.0425.002

Potato Pancakes

Potato Pancakes from the Public Hea

RCI-BR.004.0425.001

Potato Pancakes

Cuisine of Israel (Serves 4)

RCI-SP.005.0190.001

Potato, Pea and Couscous Hash

.

RCI-BR.001.0205.001

Potato Rolls

Potato Rolls

RCI-VG.004.1061.001

Potato Salad Australian-style

* Serves: 6 – 8

RCI-SP.002.0163.001

Potato Soup

Soup

RCI-SP.002.0164.001

Potato Soup using Mashed Potatoes

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SW.002.0085.001

Potato Tacos

Potato Tacos from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.005.0053.001

Potato Vereniki

Potato Vereniki from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0166.001

Potato White Sauce Stew

In Romanian: Ciulama de cartofi

RCI-SP.002.0167.001

Pot o' Gold Potato Soup

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Yield: 6 servings

RCI-MT.001.0207.001

Pot Roast

The secret of tender pot roasts lies in keeping the heat below the boil. Violent boiling toughens meat fibers. Cooking ahead allows you to chill the meat and remove the fat on the surface; chilled meat is also easy to slice.

RCI-RC.001.0162.001

Pourgouri Pilaf

Pourgouri Pilaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0530.001

Powter's Vegetable Soup

* Serves 8

RCI-SF.002.0210.001

Prawn Palava

Prawn Palava from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1070.001

Prebranac

Prebranac can be served both hot or cold and depending on amount of water you put, it can be almost completely dry or it can be like very thick sauce. Try it. It is really great.

RCI-VG.004.1071.001

Provençal Lentil Salad

You can serve this tasty salad right away, but it gets better with time. Make it a day before you plan to serve it.

RCI-SP.002.0168.001

Pumpking and Rice Soup

Makes 6 servings

RCI-VG.004.1072.001

Pumpkin Leaves with Peanuts

Choose pumpkin leaves that are young, yet fully developed, or substitute spinach, pigweed, kale, Swiss chard or other greens. Serve with cabbage and tomato sauce or Nshimba for a Zambian-style feast. May also serve with rice.

RCI-SP.003.0537.001

Pumpkin Pork Stew I

Hearty and savory, pumpkin gives this soup a distinctly African tone. The addition of tomato, potato and green beans makes this pork dish a complete meal.

RCI-SP.003.0538.001

Pumpkin soup

Pumpkin soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0169.001

Pumpkin Soup I

You can also add greens and can substitute acorn or butternut squash.

RCI-VG.004.1075.001

Punjabi Chana

.

RCI-SP.005.0192.001

Punjabi Kadhi

.

RCI-ND.007.0050.001

Punjene Palačinke

Stuffed crepes

RCI-SW.004.0038.001

Pupusas Revueltas

Ground chicken and lowfat cheese help keep down the fat and calories in this tasty dish.

RCI-SP.002.0172.001

Purée Mongole

Purée Mongole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1079.001

Putlejela

Putlejela from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0248.001

Qofte të Fërguara

Fried meatballs.

RCI-SN.001.0305.001

Queso Blanco Dip

White cheese dip