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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)

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Red Pepper Mango Onion Sauce

Red Pepper Mango Onion Sauce from the Recidemia collection

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Red Pepper Paste

This paste, is ideal for beef brisket, chicken breasts, and spare ribs. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of the paste to any of the basic marinades or to your favorite barbecue sauce to liven up the flavor.

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Red Roasted Potatoes

Red Roasted Potatoes from the Recidemia collection

Refried Beans
RCI-VG.004.1121.002

Refried Beans

looks done cooked beans and ham bone Oddly enough, (frijoles refritos) are only fried once. The prefix "re" is a Spanish prefix meaning "very" or "well", inappropriately tacked onto a non-Spanish word.

RCI-VG.004.1122.001

Refried Beans I

Original recipe Yields 6 servings, each one equal to ½ cup

RCI-VG.004.1123.001

Refried Bean Tostadas

Beans, Refried Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 10

RCI-VG.004.1126.001

Rice and Beans Casserole

Very popular and nutritious dish for vegetarians. Makes enough for 4 people.

RCI-EG.003.0120.001

Rice and Carrot Ring

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.004.0232.001

Rice and Cheese Stuffing

Rice and Cheese Stuffing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1129.001

Rice and Hens Andalusia

Makes 4 servings

RCI-VG.004.1130.001

Rice and Lentils

Rice and Lentils from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0255.001

Rice and Offal Balls

Rice and Offal Balls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0236.001

Rice and Pears Mediterranean

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.001.0174.001

Rice and Peas

Rice and Peas from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0218.001

Rice and Seafood Supreme

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.004.0238.001

Rice and Tomatoes

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.006.0103.001

Rice-a-roni

Rice-a-roni from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.006.0105.001

Rice Casserole with Pine Nuts

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RCI-RC.004.0240.001

Rice-Cheese Casserole

Milk, Nonfat, Dry Instant by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe : 9

RCI-RC.004.0241.001

Rice Confetti Buffet Salad

Makes 12 servings

RCI-RC.001.0175.001

Rice Dressing Piquant

Makes 12 servings

RCI-RC.004.0244.001

Rice Fiesta

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.004.0263.001

Rice Gazpacho

Rice Gazpacho from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0176.001

Rice in Fish Broth-Sayyadieh

Rice in Fish Broth-Sayyadieh from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0247.001

Rice Salad

Rice Salad from the Recidemia collection

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Rice-stuffed Mushrooms

Makes 24 Mushrooms.

RCI-RC.001.0179.001

Rice with Bacalhau

Rice with Bacalhau from the Recidemia collection

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Rice with Beef and Vegetables

Rice with Beef and Vegetables from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1136.001

Rice with Black Beans

Rice with Black Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0253.001

Rice with Crab Meat

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-RC.005.0073.001

Rice with Crunch

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

RCI-RC.004.0258.001

Rice with Vegetables

Rice with Vegetables from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.001.0318.001

Rich and Creamy Guacamole Dip

This recipe is great for serving guests at home before a BBQ dinner.

RCI-SP.003.0560.001

Rich Chicken Soup

Rich Chicken Soup from the Recidemia collection

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Rich Tomato Soup

300px| Rich Tomato Soup

RCI-ND.002.0113.001

Ricotta Lasagne

Ricotta Lasagne is a baked pasta dish.

RCI-RC.001.0185.001

Riso con Vegetali

Makes 6 servings.

Risotto
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Risotto

Risotto is an Italian rice dish, most popular in the north of Italy.

RCI-RC.002.0025.001

Risotto al Gorgonzola

Risotto al Gorgonzola

RCI-RC.002.0026.001

Risotto alla Milanese

Italian cuisine

RCI-RC.002.0027.001

Risotto allo Zafferano

Saffron risotto with foie gras and caramelised wild fruit with balsamic vinegar. Serves five.

RCI-RC.002.0028.001

Risotto Cakes with Bayou Sauce

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-RC.002.0029.001

Risotto of Goose Giblets

An excellent accompaniment to Roast Goose with Chestnut, Foie Gras and Sage Stuffing

RCI-MT.005.0256.001

Ritchie Estate Mexican Meatloaf

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Ritchie Estate in Balch Springs, Texas in 1984.

RCI-MT.001.0213.001

Roast Beef Hash

* Source: 1,001 Delicious Recipes for People with Diabetes * Yield: 4 servings (about 1 cup each)

RCI-MT.001.0214.001

Roast Beef Po' Boys

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: River Road

RCI-MT.004.0693.001

Roast Chicken with Orange Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-RC.006.0112.001

Roasted Acorn Squash with White Polenta

Roasted Acorn Squash with White Polenta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0116.001

Roasted Butternut Squash Pastina served in a Pumpkin

Courtesy Michael Chiarello Show: Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello Episode: Pumpkin Picking Party From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Yield: 2 cups, puréed

RCI-SN.003.0218.001

Roasted Chicken Nachos With Green Chili-Cheese Sauce

Makes 6 to 8 servings.