Skip to content

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-SP.003.0699.001

Tunisian Vegetable Stew with Saffron and Noodles

Like minestrone, there are many versions of this Tunisian soup also known as Chorba b'Hodra. It is also made with meat, and if you wish to do that, brown ½ to 1 pound cubed beef or lamb with the onions and spices.

RCI-MT.004.0816.001

Turkey and Ham Casino

Makes 12 servings.

RCI-MT.004.0817.001

Turkey and Ham Combo

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.004.0818.001

Turkey and Mushroom Stroganoff

* Source: www.lifescript.com and FoodFit * Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes *

RCI-ND.006.0080.001

Turkey and Pasta Bake

A nutritious, healthy meal featuring turkey seasoned with some simple, yet tasty, ingredients. Serve with a loaf of crusty ciabatta bread (or whatever you have on hand) and a good red wine.

RCI-EG.003.0153.001

Turkey and Swiss Strata

Turkey and Swiss Strata from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.006.0047.001

Turkey and Vegetables in Orange Sauce

Poultry Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 8-10

RCI-SP.003.0700.001

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

* Source: Healthy Calendar Diabetic Cooking * Number of Servings: 7

RCI-SW.003.0094.001

Turkey-Apple Gyros

Turkey-Apple Gyros from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 6

RCI-SW.003.0095.001

Turkey Cherry Wrap

Cherries, Dried by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4

RCI-SP.003.0703.001

Turkey Meatball Soup

This recipe comes from a nurse friend. She brought this to me a few years ago when I had minor surgery. This was so comforting. I now make this for friends who need a pot full of love and comfort when times are tough.

RCI-MT.005.0322.001

Turkey Patties in Mushroom Wine Sauce

Yield: 4 servings

RCI-BR.006.0355.001

Turkey Pie

This recipe is designed for using the leftover turkey after a holiday meal, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Turkey Biscuit from Wikibooks, freely licensed under the GNU free documentation license. Cook Time: est.

RCI-MT.005.0323.001

Turkey Rice Burgers

Makes 10 burgers

RCI-MT.004.0827.001

Turkey Stroganoff

* 4 Servings

RCI-VG.004.1464.001

Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots

Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1466.001

Turnip Casserole

Fruit & Vegetable Recipes I by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 8

RCI-SP.003.0705.001

Tuscan Soup (Meatless)

(Meatless) Tuscan Soup

RCI-VG.004.1468.001

Tuscan White Beans and Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.005.0278.001

Twenty-minute Fat-free Couscous

Twenty-minute Fat-free Couscous from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0706.001

Udder Gulash

In Romanian: Gulas de uger

RCI-SP.004.0317.001

Ugandan Chicken Stew

This chicken stew illustrates the differences in seasonings in various parts of East Africa. This one, rather bland, is from Uganda; an other, hot version is from Tanzania.

RCI-VG.003.0116.001

Ugandan Vegetable Casserole

The variations possible with this colorful vegetable casserole are endless. Either make it with the vegetables listed here or substitute your own favorites.

RCI-SP.003.0707.001

Uha

Fish soup.

RCI-SP.005.0279.001

Ujeni Ndiwo

" This ndiwo is not Malawian, but is made with ingredients readily available in Malawi, and can provide a bit of variety for volunteers tired of eating a repetitious diet of tomatoes and onions.

RCI-SP.001.0144.001

Ukha

Ukha from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1473.001

Ukrainian Borscht

Ukrainian Cuisine is a vegetable soup with beetroots as its characteristic ingredient.

RCI-SP.001.0145.001

Ukranian Borscht

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Come Into

RCI-BR.002.0110.001

Ultimate Green Pizza

.

RCI-VG.004.1476.001

Undefeated Red Beans and Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.005.0326.001

Unforgettable Ham Balls

I got a new cookbook from my sister-in-law — Jack Daniel's Cookbook, The Spirit of Tennessee. I'm going to share one. From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Makes 20 – 25 Meatballs.

RCI-SP.003.0710.001

Unique Healthy Chili

* Source: www.sparkpeople.com submitted by SparkPeople user LONGWAY2GO. * Number of Servings: 6

RCI-SW.002.0117.001

USDA Beef Tacos

S.

RCI-RC.001.0227.001

Uzbek-style Rice Pilaf

Uzbek-style Rice Pilaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0318.001

Varenga

Varenga (Roast Shredded Beef) - Serves 4-6

RCI-VG.004.1480.001

Veal with lima beans

Veal with lima beans is an Albanian dish.

RCI-VG.004.1482.001

Vegetable and Bean Hotpot

Serves 4 Vegetable and Bean Hotpot

RCI-SP.001.0147.001

Vegetable Barley Soup

Vegetable Barley Soup from the Public Health Cookbook -- original recipe, taken from government resource in the public domain Serves: 8

RCI-RC.006.0143.001

Vegetable Couscous

Vegetable Couscous from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 4

RCI-SP.005.0282.001

Vegetable Curry I

Vegetable curry

RCI-RC.004.0314.001

Vegetable Fried Rice

Farmers' Market Recipes by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: About 10 minutes Serves: 4

RCI-RC.004.0315.001

Vegetable Fried Rice I

Recipe by Hooked on Heat

RCI-SN.002.0303.001

Vegetable Fritters

right|Vegetable Fritters

RCI-SP.003.0713.001

Vegetable Gumbo

Updated old family favorite - Alice in Houston via A.Broaddus

RCI-EG.003.0155.001

Vegetable Kugel

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

RCI-ND.006.0081.001

Vegetable Lasagna

Farmers' Market Recipes by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: Serves: 4

RCI-RC.001.0231.001

Vegetable Paella I

Vegetable Paella I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0125.001

Vegetable Parmesan Bake

.

RCI-SW.001.0106.001

Vegetable Party Sandwiches

American cuisine | Bread

RCI-SN.005.0069.001

Vegetable Pierogi

.