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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-SP.003.0562.001

Roasted Garlic and Potato Soup

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RCI-VG.004.1152.001

Roasted Peppers and Eggplant

This recipe is for 3 serves.

RCI-MT.002.0236.001

Roasted Pork with Beans, Radicchio and Garlic

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings.

RCI-SN.001.0326.001

Roasted Tomatillo Guacamole

Roasted Tomatillo Guacamole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0141.001

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

If you're pressed for time, you may want to try a jarred brand of tomatillo salsa instead of making it from scratch. We can't attest to the quality of all of them, but we do love Rick Bayless's, which has a fine, robust flavor.

RCI-SP.002.0182.001

Roasted Yellow Pepper Soup

Roasted Yellow Pepper Soup from the Recidemia collection

Roast Goose
RCI-MT.004.0698.001

Roast Goose

Roast Goose

RCI-SP.003.0563.001

Rødbedsuppe

Beet Soup - Serves 6 Beet Soup - Rødbedsuppe

RCI-MT.001.0220.001

Rolitos

Cuisine of Gibraltar

RCI-MT.001.0221.001

Roman Beef Strips

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.001.0107.001

Romanian Chicken Soup

In Romanian: Supa de pasare

RCI-VG.003.0103.001

Root Beer Baked Beans

Root Beer Baked Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0202.001

Root Vegetable Curry

Root Vegetable Curry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0265.001

Ropa Vieja

Authentic Cuban dish of ropa vieja (shredded flank steak in a tomato sauce base), black beans, white rice, plantains and fried yuca with beer.

RCI-VG.002.0151.001

Rosemary Lyonnaise Potatoes

This recipe is from Step by Step Microwave Healthy Eating. Preparation takes about 10 minutes Cooking takes 12 – 15 minutes.

RCI-SP.001.0109.001

Rosół

Rosół is a traditional Polish meat broth. The most popular variety is Rosół z kury, or clear chicken (hen) soup. It is commonly served with fine noodles, often home made, like Jewish lokshen.

RCI-VG.002.0153.001

Rosolli Salad

'Rosolli' salad

RCI-ND.001.0097.001

Rotini with Spicy Andouille Sauce

Rotini with Spicy Andouille Sauce I created this to celebrate my bit of Cajun heritage on Mardi Gras 2004 (many of my father's family lived near Lake Charles, Louisiana)!

RCI-SP.004.0266.001

Rouladen

Rouladen

RCI-SP.003.0567.001

Roy's Cafe Chili for a Crowd

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SC.001.0050.001

Ruby Sandals Marinara Sauce

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-MT.001.0223.001

Rundervink met paprikasaus

The Rundervink (mince wrapped in meat, which can be bought ready made in the butcher's or made at home) is a staple. Combined with this tasty peppersauce, it is a lovely and quick meat accompaniment to any meal.

RCI-SP.004.0267.001

Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: The New Fa

RCI-SP.003.0568.001

Russian Cabbage Soup

Russian Cabbage Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0168.001

Russian Salad Dressing I

This is a recipe I obtained from an Estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Manes Estate in Venus, Texas in 1981.

RCI-VG.004.1158.001

Russian Soup with Meat

Russian Soup with Meat In Romanian: Ciorba ruseasca (cu carne)

RCI-SP.005.0203.001

Saag Aloo

Saag Aloo

RCI-SP.005.0204.001

Saag Gosht

Ethnicity - Punjabi, North Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-VG.001.0495.001

Sabse Borani

Sabse Borani from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1164.001

Sabzi Piez

Braised onions and carrots * serves 4 to 6

RCI-RC.001.0189.001

Saffron Almond Rice Pilaf

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-RC.001.0190.001

Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf

Saffron and Tomato Rice Pilaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0261.001

Saffron Mushroom Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-RC.004.0262.001

Saffron Paella Salad

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-RC.001.0192.002

Saffron Rice

Saffron rice is yellow or tan, with a taste reminiscent of spice breads and spice cakes. It goes well with chicken. This recipe serves 4.

RCI-RC.001.0193.001

Saffron Rice I

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-RC.001.0194.001

Saffron Rice Pilaf

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RCI-MT.004.0708.001

Sage Chicken with Tomato Rice

Cook Time: About an hour Serves: 4

RCI-SC.007.0264.001

Sage Dressing for Chicken

From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Original recipe Servings: 6

RCI-SF.005.0048.001

Sailor Soup

Sailor Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0570.001

Sajan Leaves Soup with Fish

Sajan Leaves Soup with Fish from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0498.001

Salad Creole

Salad Creole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0098.001

Salade de Coquilles

Salade de Coquilles from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1172.001

Salata Hummus (Chickpea Salad)

Salata Hummus (Chickpea Salad) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0520.001

Salatit Krumb II

Salatit Krumb II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0183.001

Salem Tavern Maryland Corn Chowder

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Makes About 1

RCI-SP.003.0572.001

Salmon and Spinach Soup

Contributed by Jenn b Aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-SP.003.0573.001

Salmon Chowder

Salmon Chowder from the Public Health Cookbook, Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe—US government resource in the public domain Serves: 6

RCI-ND.005.0131.001

Salmon Macaroni Salad

Adeline, Juneau, Alaska

RCI-ND.002.0120.001

Salmon spaghetti

Austrian Cuisine In Norse mythology there is a story about Loki, the god of mischief and strife: In order to escape punishment by the other gods for trying to trick the blind god Hod into killing Baldur, the god of beauty and light, Loki jumped into a river and transformed himself into a salmon.