
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)
Shrimp Toast
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
Sicilian Mostaccioli
From St.
Sicilian Stuffed Squash
Sicilian Stuffed Squash from the Recidemia collection
Sierra Leonean Cassava Leaves
Sierra Leonean Cassava Leaves from the Recidemia collection
Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew
Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew from the Recidemia collection
Simple Bean Pasta
Beans, Light Kidney, Dry by the USDA, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4
Simple Italian Sausage Spaghetti Dinner
American cuisine | Italian cuisine
Simple Meat Loaf
Simple Meat Loaf from the Recidemia collection
Simple Mushroom Sandwiches
Serves 2, or one really hungry person
Sindhi Spinach
Sindhi Spinach is a popular vegetable dish in Sindhi as a summer meal.
Singapore Mushroom Soup
Mushroom soup

Sinigang
– the famous sour soup of the Philippines.
Sinigang
– the famous sour soup of the Philippines.
Six Layer Casserole
- A great recipe when friends are visiting. The preparation can all be done hours in advance.
Skewered Garlic Butter Shrimp
Skewered Garlic Butter Shrimp from the Recidemia collection
Skillet Dinner
Beans, Pinto Dry by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6
Skillet-fried Ranch Potatoes
Skillet-fried Ranch Potatoes from the Recidemia collection
Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing
* Source: The Magazine Cookbook Soul Food Recipes, © 2006 by the American Heart Association. * Serv
Skinkefars med broccolifyld
This is a great way of serving Broccoli to the kids and an interesting variation on the good old meat loaf.
Slab Bacon Baked Beans
Slab Bacon Baked Beans from the Recidemia collection
Sloppy Garden Joes
Sloppy Garden Joes from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 8
Sloppy Janes
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Sloppy Joe Meatballs
* Serves: 6
Sloppy Joes
are loosemeat sandwiches that have its roots in the cuisine of the Midwestern United States.
Sloppy Joes
are loosemeat sandwiches that have its roots in the cuisine of the Midwestern United States.
Sloppy Joes I
Sloppy Joes I from the Recidemia collection
Slow-braised Beef Short Ribs
I have modified the recipe as best I could it was originally for a saute pan and had an alternative method of cooking that said only cook on high for 60 minutes and reduce the liquids after cooking.
Slow Cooker Almond Chicken
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings
Slow Cooker Beans
Slow Cooker Beans from the Recidemia collection
Slow Cooker Chicken Creole
Some of the reviews for this said they used the left over sauce and added to it to make soup.
Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Turkey Wraps
Wondering what to serve the gang? Put the slow cooker on the buffet and let them wrap their own.
Slow-cooking Goulash
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Lila Jenki
Smoked Collar of Pork with Broad Beans
This dish has been become regarded as the National Dish of Luxembourg, and hails from the village of Gostingen.
Smoked Fish Stew
Smoked Fish Stew from the Recidemia collection
Smokey Black Bean Soup
Smokey Black Bean Soup from the Recidemia collection
Smoking Shrimp Creole
American cuisine | Southern cuisine | Rice
Smothered Roast Beef II
In Romanian: Friptura inabusita II
Sobji Bhaji
Sobji Bhaji from the Recidemia collection
Sofrito-Marinated Steak
' column in the Chicago Tribune. You can marinate this for as little as 30 minutes but 2–3 hours is best. I've included the 30 minute marinading time in the prep time.
Solomon Grundy
Soup, Vegetable, Meatless, Canned, Condensed by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serve over cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or toast points for an extra-quick meal.
Somali Shrimp Curry
Somali Shrimp Curry from the Recidemia collection
Sooji Chila
Semolina pancakes
So'o Ku'i
So'o Ku'i from the Recidemia collection
Sooya
Sooya
Sopa a la Criolla
Sopa a la Criolla
Sopa de Amendoim
Peanut Soup from Curaçao, or a Caribbean chicken and peanut soup
Sopa de Arroz con Gallina
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: My old rec
Sopa de Fideos
Vermicelli soup From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: My old recipes Serves 4
Sopón de Gandures
Pigeon Peas and Beef stew
Soup alla Maria Pia
Soup alla Maria Pia from the Recidemia collection