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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-SC.002.0045.001

Swiss Chard in Cream Sauce

Swiss Chard in Cream Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.005.0159.001

Szechuan Noodles

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 3 - 4

Szegedin Goulash
RCI-SP.003.0662.001

Szegedin Goulash

Austrian Cuisine Originally, goulash was a shepherd's stew of the Magyars, a people living in Eastern Europe, mainly in the Pannonian plains of Hungary. From there, it started its triumphal march into the world.

RCI-VG.004.1390.001

Szerb Bableves

Serbian bean soup

RCI-SP.004.0299.001

Tabeekha Yahni

Tabeekha Yahni from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0597.001

Tabouli – Bulgar wheat with parsley and tomatoes

Tabouli – Bulgar wheat with parsley and tomatoes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.004.0048.001

Taco Joes

Taco Joes

RCI-SC.007.0316.001

Taco Seasoning

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

RCI-SP.003.0664.001

Taco Soup II

Taco Soup II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0189.001

Taco Taters featuring California Avocados!

Taco Taters featuring California Avocados! from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0796.001

Tagine of Chicken with Prunes and Almonds

Tagine of Chicken with Prunes and Almonds from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0359.001

Tagine of Seabass and Seasonal Vegetables

Recipe by Errant Gin Monks Wikified by Drimble Wedge

RCI-SC.006.0035.001

Tahina Sauce

Tahina Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0250.001

Tahitian Pork Curry with Taro

Nothing like the taste of homegrown suckling pig that has self marinaded on the fruit from your own garden. Polynesian pork is in my opinion the best pork anywhere in the world.

RCI-VG.004.1395.001

Tahu Taugé

A crispy Indonesian salad with tofu, cucumber and beansprouts. This is my favourite salad!

RCI-VG.004.1397.001

Taiwan Chao Main

Taiwanese Special Fried Noodles

RCI-SP.004.0300.001

Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj

Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.005.0064.001

Tamales Costa Rica

Tamales Costa Rica from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0284.001

Tamayya

Green hamburgers, are healthy vegetable patties packed with fresh greens and dried beans. The Tamaaya, is stuffed into pockets of bread along with salad, foul (dried fava beans), fried eggplant, potatoes, tahina salad or just by itself.

RCI-MT.002.0297.001

Tandoori Pork Sauté

Tandoori Pork Sauté from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0801.001

Tangerine Hens

I have used this same thing on chickens too as well Guinea hens. All came out well as did the quail I used it with.

RCI-MT.005.0301.001

Tangy Meat and Rice Loaf

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.005.0252.001

Tanzanian Curried Chicken-Banana Soup

Tanzanian Curried Chicken-banana Soup

RCI-SN.001.0389.001

Taramasalata I

Greek fish roe dip. This creamy, mayonnaise-like dip is made from tarama, cod, or mullet roe which is salted like caviar (which is sturgeon roe), but is much less expensive.

RCI-SC.001.0059.001

Tarragon Sauce

In Romanian: Sos de tarhon

RCI-SC.007.0322.002

Tartar Sauce

This is a basic tartar sauce, suitable for fish and chips. The recipe is largely based on a trial and error recreation of the tartar sauce used at a local restaurant I frequent.

RCI-RC.006.0132.001

Tasty Couscous Summer Dish

Tasty Couscous Summer Dish from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0138.001

Tasty leaf soup

Tasty leaf soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0667.001

Tatwsrhost

Welsh Stew

RCI-SP.005.0254.001

Taurus Chinese Chicken Curry

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

RCI-VG.004.1405.001

Tavče Gravče

Tavche Gravche (Macedonian language Тавче гравче ; beans in a skillet) is traditional Macedonian dish. It involves boiling the beans first and then mixed with onion, peppers, tomato, oil, flour and various spices baked in a pottery saucepan.

RCI-MT.005.0303.001

Tavë me Presh

Baked leeks

Taway kay Kabab
RCI-MT.003.0097.001

Taway kay Kabab

Lamb Kebab right|Name of the Recipe

RCI-MT.001.0283.001

T-bone Steak

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SC.001.0060.001

Tekhelese Tesmi

Eritrean spiced butter

RCI-SP.003.0668.001

Tempeh Chili

Tempeh Chili from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0262.001

Tempeh Reuben

.

RCI-SW.003.0083.001

Tempeh Teriyaki

Recipe courtesy of John "Wizard Baldour" Troy, master chef and menu planner at The Regulator Café in Hillsborough, NC Source: Vegetarian Times, 12/90

RCI-MT.001.0286.001

Texas Barbecue Pot Roast

Texas Barbecue Pot Roast from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0287.001

Texas Oven Brisket

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-VG.004.1412.001

Tex-Mex Beans with Cornmeal Dumplings

Tex-Mex Beans with Cornmeal Dumplings from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0298.001

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.003.0672.001

Tex-mex corn soup

Tex-mex corn soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0275.001

Tex-Mex Pizza

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-RC.004.0299.001

Tex-Mex Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.001.0603.001

Thai Beef Salad I

The hot-and-sour dressing has an exotic flavor, yet has just a few ingredients.

RCI-SP.005.0257.001

Thai Potato Curry

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RCI-MT.001.0293.001

Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies

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

RCI-MT.004.0808.001

Thai Turkey

This Thai style recipe is a very easy meal to make. This dish is creamy, sweet, spicy.

RCI-BR.007.0122.001

Thanksgiving No Turkey "Turkey"

Thanksgiving 'No-Turkey' Turkey from Recipes Wiki—original source of recipe, licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License Prep time: 60 to 75 minutes to bake