
onion
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)
Quick and Easy Hummus
Quick and Easy Hummus from the Recidemia collection
Quick Baked Beef-Pasta Dish
American cuisine Meats Pasta
Quick Barbecue Sauce I
Quick Barbecue Sauce I from the Recidemia collection
Quick Beans and Rice
Makes 6 servings
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 ...
Quick Catfish Gumbo
A Catfish recipe
Quick Chili on Rice
Makes 6 servings
Quick Creole Chicken
Quick Creole Chicken from the Recidemia collection
Quick Irish Bean Stew
Quick Irish Bean Stew from the Recidemia collection
Quick Louisiana Gumbo
Makes 8 servings
Quick 'n Easy Salmon Patties
These Are Very Good, i Usually Have Them During Lent.
Quick Neptune Supper
Makes 4 servings
Quick Shrimp Chow Mein
Makes 6 servings
Quick Shrimp Paella with Sausage and Veggies
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings.
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.
Quinoa and Wild Rice Pilaf
* Makes 6½ cups
Quinoa Pilaf
Quinoa Pilaf from the Recidemia collection
Quinoa Risotto
Serves 2 – 6, depending on whether or not you serve this as a main or a side dish.
Quinoa Stew
Quinoa Stew
Quinoa with Latin Flavors
Cilantro, lime and scallions lend a bright finish to delicate quinoa. This is a versatile side dish.
Rabbit and Cashews
Rabbit and Cashews from the Recidemia collection
Rabbit in Tarragon Sauce
Contributed by Darlene in BC via Catsrecipes Y-Group
Radiatore Provençal
Radiatore Provençal from the Recidemia collection
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.
Ragout of Beef
Makes 6 servings
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.
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.
Raisin Pilau
300px| Raisin Pilau Serves 4
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!
Ranchero Chili and Rice
Makes 6 servings
Ranch House Barbecue
Makes 6 servings
Ranch Salad Dressing Mix
Ranch Salad Dressing Mix from the Recidemia collection
Ranch-style Dressing and Dip Mix
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Rassolnik
Rassolnik
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.
Ratatouille with Polenta
Ratatouille with Polenta from the Recidemia collection
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.
Red Beans and Rice
Serves: 4 (1 cup servings)
Red Beans and Rice Creole-style
Makes 10 servings
Red Beans and Rice IV
Red Beans and Rice IV from the Recidemia collection
Red Beans and Rice Salad
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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.
Red Cabbage Salad
This is a delicious, traditional Dutch Side Dish
Red curry paste
To make 3-4 tablespoons of red curry paste, we need:
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.
Red Kidney Beans
Servings : 6
Red Lentil Kofte
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Red lentil lasagna
Red lentil lasagna from the Recidemia collection
Red Lobio
Red Lobio from the Recidemia collection
Red Pepper and Zucchini Quiche
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