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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.004.1082.001

Quick and Easy Hummus

Quick and Easy Hummus from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.006.0062.001

Quick Baked Beef-Pasta Dish

American cuisine Meats Pasta

RCI-SC.007.0253.001

Quick Barbecue Sauce I

Quick Barbecue Sauce I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1084.001

Quick Beans and Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.004.0255.001

Quick Cassoulet I

Quick Cassoulet Vive la France! Real bistro cooking - quick and tasty. This one comes from the Canadian Bean Council via Vicki Gabereau's CBC radio program. (On occasion, I have been known to double both the wine and the beans ...

RCI-SP.003.0540.001

Quick Catfish Gumbo

A Catfish recipe

RCI-SP.003.0541.001

Quick Chili on Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.004.0686.001

Quick Creole Chicken

Quick Creole Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1087.001

Quick Irish Bean Stew

Quick Irish Bean Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0543.001

Quick Louisiana Gumbo

Makes 8 servings

RCI-SF.001.0293.001

Quick 'n Easy Salmon Patties

These Are Very Good, i Usually Have Them During Lent.

RCI-SF.002.0213.001

Quick Neptune Supper

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SP.003.0545.001

Quick Shrimp Chow Mein

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SF.002.0214.001

Quick Shrimp Paella with Sausage and Veggies

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings.

RCI-RC.001.0168.001

Quinoa and Rice Pilaf

A filling, hearty side dish which can replace both a starch and a vegetable. The quinoa adds a boost of protein which rice lacks.

RCI-RC.001.0169.001

Quinoa and Wild Rice Pilaf

* Makes 6½ cups

RCI-RC.001.0170.001

Quinoa Pilaf

Quinoa Pilaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.006.0095.001

Quinoa Risotto

Serves 2 – 6, depending on whether or not you serve this as a main or a side dish.

RCI-SP.003.0546.001

Quinoa Stew

Quinoa Stew

RCI-RC.006.0099.001

Quinoa with Latin Flavors

Cilantro, lime and scallions lend a bright finish to delicate quinoa. This is a versatile side dish.

RCI-VG.004.1093.001

Rabbit and Cashews

Rabbit and Cashews from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0258.001

Rabbit in Tarragon Sauce

Contributed by Darlene in BC via Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-ND.001.0092.001

Radiatore Provençal

Radiatore Provençal from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0549.001

Radish Stew

dates back to at least the 4th century when a recipe appeared in the Roman cookery book Cnecht. It is a simple and inexpensive dish, and is said to calm an upset stomach.

RCI-SP.003.0550.001

Ragout of Beef

Makes 6 servings

RCI-ND.001.0093.001

Ragu Napoletano

When making this, I ended up with ground chuck instead of the regular boneless. I opted not to remove this from the recipe, nor the Sausage, which I crumbled. They gave it a nice texture, so just go with whatever you are able to get.

RCI-MT.001.0210.001

Rahmschnitzel

Traditionally made with veal, schnitzel recipe can also be made with boneless pork loin or chicken breasts pounded into cutlets. The addition of the cream sauce makes it a rahmschnitzel. Serve with Spätzle and German Style Red Cabbage.

RCI-RC.001.0172.001

Raisin Pilau

300px| Raisin Pilau Serves 4

RCI-MT.005.0250.001

Ramadan Kebab

This special Ramadan dish will remind you of Gyros (Doner) with yogurt and is so easy to prepare. You can start making this 30 minutes before dinner. Use of garlic is one the best ways to make you want to drink water!

RCI-SP.003.0551.001

Ranchero Chili and Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.003.0552.001

Ranch House Barbecue

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SC.003.0162.001

Ranch Salad Dressing Mix

Ranch Salad Dressing Mix from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0163.001

Ranch-style Dressing and Dip Mix

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-VG.005.0180.001

Rassolnik

Rassolnik

RCI-VG.002.0133.001

Ratatouille

200px|right Provençale recipes | Vegan Cuisine is a traditional Provençale stewed vegetable dish that can be served as a meal on its own, accompanied by rice, potatoes or French bread, or as a side dish. It can be served hot or cold.

RCI-VG.002.0136.001

Ratatouille with Polenta

Ratatouille with Polenta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.001.0052.001

Real Spanish Omlette

I ordered a Spanish Omlette at a beach restaurant on the Southern coast of Spain. It beats any Spanish omlette I've ever had.

RCI-VG.004.1105.001

Red Beans and Rice

Serves: 4 (1 cup servings)

RCI-VG.004.1106.001

Red Beans and Rice Creole-style

Makes 10 servings

RCI-VG.004.1110.001

Red Beans and Rice IV

Red Beans and Rice IV from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1111.001

Red Beans and Rice Salad

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RCI-VG.004.1113.001

Red Bean Soup

Red Bean Soup This came from a Cajun Cookbook that my friend had loaned to me. The prep. time does not include soaking the beans overnight.

RCI-VG.001.0479.001

Red Cabbage Salad

This is a delicious, traditional Dutch Side Dish

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Red curry paste

To make 3-4 tablespoons of red curry paste, we need:

RCI-SW.002.0087.001

Red Devils

Red Devils are a hot, open faced sandwich. They are a great dinner or lunch. They include all the major food groups and taste great.

RCI-VG.004.1115.001

Red Kidney Beans

Servings : 6

RCI-VG.004.1116.001

Red Lentil Kofte

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RCI-VG.004.1117.001

Red lentil lasagna

Red lentil lasagna from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1120.001

Red Lobio

Red Lobio from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0119.001

Red Pepper and Zucchini Quiche

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