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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.004.1202.001

Scalloped Corn

Scalloped Corn from the Public Health Cookbook—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 12

RCI-VG.004.1203.001

Scalloped Corn II

From Menu and Recipes for the week of 2/25/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-SF.002.0228.001

Scalloped Corn III

This dish falls somewhere between a pudding and a souffle and is scrumptious, especially with its toasty brown topping. Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes, published by the American Diabetes Association.

RCI-SF.002.0229.001

Scalloped Ham and Potatoes

This is an easy way to make "scalloped" ham and potatoes.

RCI-MT.005.0265.001

Scalloped Meatballs

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SF.002.0232.001

Scalloped Rice with Cheese

Scalloped Rice with Cheese from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0233.001

Scalloped Tomatoes

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6 * Source:

RCI-SP.003.0583.001

Scottish Meat Balls

Scottish Meat Balls You might serve these on December 31 to mark Hogmanay, the Scottish celebration of New Year's Eve.

RCI-EG.002.0064.001

Scrambled eggs (Bombay)

Scrambled Eggs (Bombay) has curry, bacon and is served over rice.

RCI-SF.005.0051.002

Seafood Gumbo

Seafood Gumbo a dish of New Orleans, with fresh sea food.

RCI-SF.005.0051.001

Seafood Gumbo

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Seafood Risotto
RCI-RC.002.0035.001

Seafood Risotto

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

RCI-SW.001.0080.001

Seafood Salad Sandwiches

Your choice of chopped seafood gives you options for some surfin' fun on a bun!

RCI-VG.005.0203.001

Seafood-stuffed Italian Mushrooms

This recipe came from an estate sale. It was obtained when the family collection was purchased from the Burnett Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1981.

RCI-MT.005.0267.001

Seekh Kebab

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

RCI-SP.004.0273.001

Segedin Goulash

A good Czech recipe from "The Czechoslovak cookbook". Of course you've got to be a fan of sauerkrate (although the sour cream does take some of the bite out of it).

RCI-SP.005.0215.001

Seitan Nyembwe

Seitan Nyembwe from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0125.001

Semelroth Favorite Zucchini

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.005.0217.001

Senegalese-style Chicken with Coconut Milk and Peanuts

A delicious soup invented by Chi KenCuri. In some traditions, they added poo and wee to this dish! It adds flavour!

RCI-SP.003.0587.001

Senegal Stew with Millet

Senegal Stew with Millet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0268.001

Serbian Meatloaf

Serbian Meatloaf

RCI-SP.003.0588.001

Sese Plantains

Sese Plantains from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0239.001

Seviche de Ostras

Oysters marinated in lime juice. Here is a unique soup for all you adventurous chefs:) Please do not let your plantains turn yellow-black because they will turn sweet. Must use green plantains.

RCI-SP.003.0589.001

Shamday

Shamday

RCI-MT.004.0726.001

Sharbat dajaaj

Sharbat dajaaj from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0591.001

Shchy with Sauerkraut and Fish

Shchy with Sauerkraut and Fish from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0269.001

Sheftalia

Barbequed sausages

RCI-SF.002.0240.001

Shellfish with Cococnut cream

Shellfish with Cococnut cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0304.001

Shepherd's Pie

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-VG.001.0530.001

Shepherd's Salad

300px| Shepherd's Salad This recipe is for 1 person.

RCI-SC.004.0038.001

Shiitake Mushroom Gravy

Shiitake Mushroom Gravy from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1221.001

Shiro Wat

sometimes , is a traditional Ethiopian Jewish pea stew.

RCI-SN.003.0230.001

Shish Kebab

Stuffed baby lamb is a popular dish in Jordan, which people enjoy as a big and heavy meal. it consists of roasted lamb, stuffed with rice, chopped onions, nuts and raisins.

RCI-SP.003.0592.001

Short-cut Italian Vegetable Soup

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 to 6 servi

RCI-SF.001.0331.001

Shourba bil Hout

Fish soup

RCI-SP.005.0227.001

Shrimp and Coconut Milk Curry

Shrimp and Coconut Milk Curry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0231.001

Shrimp and Crab Bruschetta

Shrimp and Crab Bruschetta from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle and King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, government resource in the public domain Cook Time: 10 minutes Serves: 12

RCI-SF.002.0249.001

Shrimp and Veggie Stew

Makes 2 to 4 servings.

RCI-SF.002.0251.001

Shrimp Bake

Seafood Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-SF.003.0040.001

Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp Ceviche from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.005.0055.001

Shrimp Creole

right|250px A crockpot shrimp creole recipe with shrimp and tomatoes.

RCI-SP.005.0228.001

Shrimp Curry

Shrimp Curry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0229.001

Shrimp Curry

Shrimp Curry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.001.0349.001

Shrimp Dip I

Original recipe Makes about 3 cups / Serves 9

RCI-SN.001.0350.001

Shrimp Dip or Spread

This recipe can easily be halved. It can also be doubled easily.

RCI-SP.006.0058.001

Shrimp Gazpacho

* Source: bhg.com * Prep: 35 minutes | Chill: 4 to 24 hours * Makes: Six 1½ cup servings

RCI-SF.002.0257.001

Shrimp in Cilantro Sauce

* Source: www.bhg.com * Start to Finish: 30 minutes * Makes 2 servings

RCI-SF.002.0260.001

Shrimp Kebabs

Cooking time: 1 hour Serves 4

RCI-RC.004.0269.001

Shrimp 'n' Rice Salad

Shrimp 'n' Rice Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0267.001

Shrimp Patties

Shrimp Patties from the Recidemia collection