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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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Shrimp Toast

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is

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Sicilian Mostaccioli

From St.

RCI-VG.005.0205.001

Sicilian Stuffed Squash

Sicilian Stuffed Squash from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1228.001

Sierra Leonean Cassava Leaves

Sierra Leonean Cassava Leaves from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0231.001

Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew

Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1231.001

Simple Bean Pasta

Beans, Light Kidney, Dry by the USDA, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4

RCI-ND.001.0102.001

Simple Italian Sausage Spaghetti Dinner

American cuisine | Italian cuisine

RCI-MT.005.0271.001

Simple Meat Loaf

Simple Meat Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0097.001

Simple Mushroom Sandwiches

Serves 2, or one really hungry person

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Sindhi Spinach

Sindhi Spinach is a popular vegetable dish in Sindhi as a summer meal.

RCI-SP.002.0191.001

Singapore Mushroom Soup

Mushroom soup

Sinigang
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Sinigang

– the famous sour soup of the Philippines.

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Sinigang

– the famous sour soup of the Philippines.

RCI-MT.005.0272.001

Six Layer Casserole

- A great recipe when friends are visiting. The preparation can all be done hours in advance.

RCI-SF.002.0271.001

Skewered Garlic Butter Shrimp

Skewered Garlic Butter Shrimp from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0273.001

Skillet Dinner

Beans, Pinto Dry by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6

RCI-VG.002.0161.001

Skillet-fried Ranch Potatoes

Skillet-fried Ranch Potatoes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0262.001

Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing

* Source: The Magazine Cookbook Soul Food Recipes, © 2006 by the American Heart Association. * Serv

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Skinkefars med broccolifyld

This is a great way of serving Broccoli to the kids and an interesting variation on the good old meat loaf.

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Slab Bacon Baked Beans

Slab Bacon Baked Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0736.001

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

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Sloppy Janes

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

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Sloppy Joe Meatballs

* Serves: 6

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Sloppy Joes

are loosemeat sandwiches that have its roots in the cuisine of the Midwestern United States.

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Sloppy Joes

are loosemeat sandwiches that have its roots in the cuisine of the Midwestern United States.

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Sloppy Joes I

Sloppy Joes I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.003.0085.001

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.

RCI-MT.004.0739.001

Slow Cooker Almond Chicken

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings

RCI-VG.004.1246.001

Slow Cooker Beans

Slow Cooker Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0740.001

Slow Cooker Chicken Creole

Some of the reviews for this said they used the left over sauce and added to it to make soup.

RCI-SW.003.0072.001

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.

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Slow-cooking Goulash

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Lila Jenki

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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.

RCI-SF.005.0058.001

Smoked Fish Stew

Smoked Fish Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1248.001

Smokey Black Bean Soup

Smokey Black Bean Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0272.001

Smoking Shrimp Creole

American cuisine | Southern cuisine | Rice

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Smothered Roast Beef II

In Romanian: Friptura inabusita II

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Sobji Bhaji

Sobji Bhaji from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0244.001

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.

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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.

RCI-SF.002.0273.001

Somali Shrimp Curry

Somali Shrimp Curry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0191.001

Sooji Chila

Semolina pancakes

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So'o Ku'i

So'o Ku'i from the Recidemia collection

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Sooya

Sooya

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Sopa a la Criolla

Sopa a la Criolla

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Sopa de Amendoim

Peanut Soup from Curaçao, or a Caribbean chicken and peanut soup

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Sopa de Arroz con Gallina

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: My old rec

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Sopa de Fideos

Vermicelli soup From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: My old recipes Serves 4

RCI-SP.003.0613.001

Sopón de Gandures

Pigeon Peas and Beef stew

RCI-SP.002.0197.001

Soup alla Maria Pia

Soup alla Maria Pia from the Recidemia collection