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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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Thanksgiving Turkey Coating

This will do about a 13 – 15 lb turkey. Other seasonings are to taste. I never did measure. This is a coating you can put on all poultry before roasting. Notice that this does not have any gravy master or oil. Both unneeded in my opinion.

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The Diamond's Cheese Ball

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

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The Hell Pit Burger

The Hell Pit Burger from the Recidemia collection

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The Most Extraordinary Casserole

Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group

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Thick Vegetable Soup

Thick Vegetable Soup Serve 4.

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Thirty Minute Chicken and Rice

Makes 6 servings.

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Thotakoora Fry

Thotakoora Fry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0301.001

Thousand Island Rice Salad

Makes 6 servings.

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Three-bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili

Chunks of pork tenderloin make this chili especially robust. Spicy peppers further enhance the flavor.

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Three-bean Chili

Three Bean Chili Delicious three-bean chili, made with kidney beans, lima (or butter) beans, and Great Northern beans.

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Three Bean Salad

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Marlboro C

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Three Cheese Casserole

Makes 6 servings per casserole.

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Three-cheese Rice Quiche

Makes 6 servings

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Three-Mushroom Meatloaf

Fruit & Vegetable Recipes I by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6

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Three Sisters Stew

The Three Sisters Stew is a traditional and contemporary Native American dish. The dish includes the three sister foods are the maize, beans, and squash, which are prevalent in Native American diets.

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Tibetan Noodles with Vegetables

Called Tse Ping, this is a vegetarian version of a dish often served at weddings and other Tibetan celebrations.

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Tibetan roast

Tibetan roast

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Tikka Kebabs

Tikka Kebabs from the Recidemia collection

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Ti Malice

This is a hot sauce

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Tiyo Durango

Serve over rice.

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Toasted Sandwich

Toasted Sandwich from the Recidemia collection

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Toated Rice Dressing

Makes 6 servings.

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Todd's Green Beans

Original recipe Makes 4 – 6 servings

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Tofu and Broccoli Stir-fry

Tofu and Broccoli Stir-fry from the Recidemia collection

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Tofu and Mushroom Delight

Recipe from United Soybean Board

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Tofu and Vegetables

Tofu and Vegetables

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Tofu Gumbo

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Tofu Mango Stir-fry with Pasta

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Tofu Pancake

Vegan Cuisine

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Tofu Quiche

Tofu Quiche from the Recidemia collection

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Tofu Rice Burgers

Tofu Rice Burgers from the Recidemia collection

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Tofu Scramble

Tofu Scramble from the Recidemia collection

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Tofu Spaghetti Sauce

Tofu Spaghetti Sauce from the Recidemia collection

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Tofu Stir Fry with Charred Onion

Tofu Stir Fry with Charred Onion from the Recidemia collection

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Tofu Stroganoff

* Serves: 4

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Tofu Tomato Mango Soup

Tofu Tomato Mango Soup from the Recidemia collection

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Tofu Vegetable Spread

Tofu Vegetable Spread from the Recidemia collection

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Tolma

Stuffed grape leaves

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Tomahawk Smasher Guacamole

Serve topped with orange Cheddar cheese and blue corn tortilla chips in honor of the San Diego Padres team colors!

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Tomatensalat

Tomatensalat Another of my Grandmother's recipes. According to her, she said this has been in her family for generations!

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Tomatican I

300px| Tomatican Tomatoes with corn This recipe is for 4 to 6 serves.

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Tomato and Bacon Rice

Makes 6 servings.

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Tomato and Cheese Risotto

Makes 4 servings.

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Tomato and Pimento Soup

Tomato and Pimento Soup from the Recidemia collection

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Tomato and Rice Soup with Scallops

Tomato and Rice Soup with Scallops from the Public Health Cookbook -- original source of recipe, taken from government resource in the public domain Serves: 6

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Tomato Bacon Soup

We love it for lunch on a weekend, and are more likely to eat it in Spring or Autumn than the dead of winter. 50 minutes preparation.

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Tomato-Bean Sauce

Tomato-Bean Sauce from the Recidemia collection

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Tomato Cilantro Salsa

Very tasty and easy to prepare. It is also suitable for large occassions.

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Tomatoes stuffed with Bulgur and Pine Nuts

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

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Tomatoes stuffed with Shrimp

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pinion Estate in Mesquite, Texas in 1994.