
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)
Tomatoes stuffed with Vegetables
In Romanian: Rosii umplute cu zarzavat
Tomato Jam
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Poe Estate in Justin, Texas in 1987.
Tomato Sauce Great Northern Beans
A hearty side that goes well with white rice
Tomato Vegetable Soup
Tomato Vegetable Soup
Tom Cruise's Spaghetti Carbonara
Tom Cruise's Spaghetti Carbonara from the Recidemia collection
Tom kha kai
(or tom kha gai) is a Thai soup with the distinct, very Thai flavor of galangal, a rhizome somewhat similar to ginger. means "galangal" in Thai. This version of the soup is made with chicken (kai or gai).
Tongue in Sour Cream Sauce
In Romanian: Limba in sos de smantana
Tortilla Black Bean Soup
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Barger Estate in Mckinney, Texas in 1997.
Tortilla de Plátanos
Plantain omelet
Tortilla Española
A , or Spanish omelette, is a mixture of fried potatoes and onions set in eggs, fried to make a dish somewhat akin to a quiche which may be eaten like a pizza.
Tortilla Soup
Tortilla Soup is a fantastic Mexican inspired soup.
Tote-Along Dressing
Tote-Along Dressing from the Recidemia collection
Tourte à la Lorraine
Tourte à la Lorraine is an elaborate meat pie with a pâte brisée (pie dough) base and a puff pastry top which is baked.
Tourtière
Try serving the filling hot with potatoes or toast, or with a breadcrumb topping, or serve in a home made tortilla.
Traditional Italian Risotto
Traditional Italian Risotto
Traditional Lasagne
Traditional Lasagne from the Recidemia collection
Traditional Salad of Cyprus
(Χωριάτικη σαλάτα) is a salad that can be served together with most foods in Cyprus.
Traditional Saudi Kabssah
You can ask any arabian about this Kabssah and everyone will say Saudis can't live with out it. I mean if there is a Saudi lady that does't know how to make it then that would be a very Weird thing.
Trini Cole Slaw
Serves: accordingly Prep Time: 7-10 minutes Occasion: Any Effort: Easy
Trinidad Corn Soup
Trinidad Corn Soup from the Recidemia collection
Trinidad Curry Chicken
Trinidad Curry Chicken from the Recidemia collection
Trinidad Curry Paste
Trinidad Curry Paste from the Recidemia collection
Trinidad Pepper Sauce
Trinidad Pepper Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Tripe Stew
In Romanian: Tuslama de burta
Tropical Island Chicken
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Taste of H
Tropical Mango Salsa
Tropical Mango Salsa from the Recidemia collection
Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Trout or Bass in Beer Sauce
Trout or Bass in Beer Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Tsebhi Birsen
Tsebhi Birsen from the Recidemia collection
Tuna Cashew Salad
Makes 6 servings
Tuna Creole Skillet
Makes 6 servings
Tuna Crunch Salad
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * 6 Servings
Tuna Curry
Curry
Tuna Curry
Curry
Tuna Melt Sandwich
Chunk Light Tuna in Water, Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 10
Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Tuna Rice Quiche
Makes 6 servings.
Tuna Salad
Salad Recipes
Tuna Sandwich Melts
Makes 4 sandwiches
Tuna Snack
Serve 4.
Tuna-Tomato Combo
Makes 6 servings
Tunisian Couscous with Fennel, Red Peppers and Garlic
Tunisian couscous with fennel, red peppers and garlic
Tunisian Eggs and Peppers
Tunisian eggs and peppers. Makes 4 servings.
Tunisian Fish-and-Vegetable Stew
Tunisian Fish-and-Vegetable Stew
Tunisian Hot Vegetable Dip
This recipe is easily prepared on the grill and can be served as a relish, dip, or spread. As might be expected, it can also be served with a flat, unleavened bread such as pita.
Tunisian meatballs
Tunisian meatballs
Tunisian meat pie
Tunisian meat pie
Tunisian-Style Greens and Beans
Tunisian-Style Greens and beans
Tunisian Tomato Soup with
yield 6 servigs
Tunisian tomato soup with chickpeas and lentils
Tunisian tomato soup with Chickpeas and Lentils