
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)
Stuffed Eggplant
Fruit & Vegetable of the Month: Eggplant by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4
Stuffed Eggs with Sour Cream Sauce I
In Romanian: Oua umplute cu sos de smantana I
Stuffed Eggs with Sour Cream Sauce II
In Romanian: Oua umplute cu sos de smantana II
Stuffed Green Peppers
Stuffed green peppers are a quick and easy dish.
Stuffed Green Peppers and Tomato Sauce
Makes 6 servings.
Stuffed Meatballs
Stuffed Meatballs Very versatile recipe. Use which ever mince you prefer and what stuffing you like. make them big or small. Have with pasta and sauce or put into ciabatta bread as a quick and tasty sandwich.
Stuffed Mushrooms Parmesana
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Stuffed Partridges
In Romanian: Potirnichi umplute
Stuffed peppers
Makes 6 Servings
Stuffed Peppers
Makes 6 Servings
Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style
Contributed by SF&SC Y-Group.
Stuffed Piquillo Peppers
Serves 6 Stuffed Piquillo Peppers
Stuffed Sazan
Stuffed Sazan from the Recidemia collection
Stuffed Tomatoes
Cooked with water or broth, amaranth releases a starch that creates a "sauce" similar to grits. It m
Stuffed Tomatoes with Paneer and Vegetables
Colourful, tempting and tasty.
Stuffing
Stuffing from the Recidemia collection
Stuffin Nut Stovetop Stuffing
Serves 2 – 4
Suan Yong La Jiao Chao Xie
Fried crab with mashed garlic and red pepper
Suckling Pig stuffed with Organs
In Romanian: Purcel de lapte umplut cu maruntaie
Sudanese Meat Sauce
This ia very delicions sauce made with meat. Serve with kisra.
Summer Vegetable Risotto
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Summer Vegetable Saute
Summer Vegetable Saute from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resourceServes: 4
Summer Vegetable Skillet
Makes 6 servings.
Sundubu Chigae
Also known as soft tofu soup. This recipe is for 4-6 servings. Preparation: 60 minutes.
Sunny Potato Salad
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6
Superb Coleslaw
Makes 4 servings.
Superbowl M.V.P. (Most Valuable Paella)
Makes 8 servings
Superbowl Texas-style Chili
Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re
Superbowl White Chili
Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re
Superior Broth
Superior Broth from the Recidemia collection
Super Simple Sliders
Super Simple Sliders from the Recidemia collection
Super Simple Spinach Soufflé
Makes 6 servings.
Supper Casserole
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re
Suriname Chicken Pie
Suriname Chicken Pie from the Recidemia collection
Surprise Salad
6 servings Sauerkraut
Swedish Beef Roast
Swedish Beef Roast
Swedish Kroppkakor
Swedish kroppkakor
Swedish Meatballs
All recipes are based on the following basic, or minimum, recipe for Swedish meatballs; Servings: 4, Time: 30 minutes
Swedish Meatballs I
* Source: Forbidden Foods Diabetic Cooking *
Swedish Meatballs with Gravy
Swedish Meatballs or köttbullar are a classic dish from Sweden, characterized by a mixture of beef and pork with strong spicing, usually involving allspice, and served in a heavy gravy that lands somewhere on the spectrum between American beef gravy and country-style white gravy.
Swedish Pea Soup
Swedish Pea Soup
Swedish Steak Tartare
Swedish Steak Tartare
Sweet and Sour Onions
Yield: 4 - 6 servings
Sweet and Sour Pork
A TNT recipe.
Sweet and Sour Pork with Rice
Makes 6 servings.
Sweet and Sour Seitan
This is a tasty vegetarian version of a Chinese classic. You won't even be able to tell it isn't Chicken! seitan is made from Wheat gluten and is very high in protein and low in fat. " Original recipe yield: 4 servings.
Sweet and Sour Vegetables
Servings: 6 Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Serve over rice or other whole grains.
Sweet Pea Soup
Sweet Pea Soup from the Recidemia collection
Sweet Potato Soup
Sweet Potato Soup from the Public Domain Cookbook -- original source of recipe, taken from government resource in the public domain Serves: 8
Sweet Sour Cucumber Salad
It really is very beautiful to look at, not to mention eat! Perfect with Indonesian and Thai dishes.