
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)
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.
Turkey and Ham Casino
Makes 12 servings.
Turkey and Ham Combo
Makes 6 servings.
Turkey and Mushroom Stroganoff
* Source: www.lifescript.com and FoodFit * Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes *
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.
Turkey and Swiss Strata
Turkey and Swiss Strata from the Recidemia collection
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
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
* Source: Healthy Calendar Diabetic Cooking * Number of Servings: 7
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
Turkey Cherry Wrap
Cherries, Dried by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4
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.
Turkey Patties in Mushroom Wine Sauce
Yield: 4 servings
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.
Turkey Rice Burgers
Makes 10 burgers
Turkey Stroganoff
* 4 Servings
Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots
Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots from the Recidemia collection
Turnip Casserole
Fruit & Vegetable Recipes I by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 8
Tuscan Soup (Meatless)
(Meatless) Tuscan Soup
Tuscan White Beans and Rice
Makes 6 servings.
Twenty-minute Fat-free Couscous
Twenty-minute Fat-free Couscous from the Recidemia collection
Udder Gulash
In Romanian: Gulas de uger
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.
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.
Uha
Fish soup.
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.
Ukha
Ukha from the Recidemia collection
Ukrainian Borscht
Ukrainian Cuisine is a vegetable soup with beetroots as its characteristic ingredient.
Ukranian Borscht
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Come Into
Ultimate Green Pizza
.
Undefeated Red Beans and Rice
Makes 6 servings
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.
Unique Healthy Chili
* Source: www.sparkpeople.com submitted by SparkPeople user LONGWAY2GO. * Number of Servings: 6
USDA Beef Tacos
S.
Uzbek-style Rice Pilaf
Uzbek-style Rice Pilaf from the Recidemia collection
Varenga
Varenga (Roast Shredded Beef) - Serves 4-6
Veal with lima beans
Veal with lima beans is an Albanian dish.
Vegetable and Bean Hotpot
Serves 4 Vegetable and Bean Hotpot
Vegetable Barley Soup
Vegetable Barley Soup from the Public Health Cookbook -- original recipe, taken from government resource in the public domain Serves: 8
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
Vegetable Curry I
Vegetable curry
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
Vegetable Fried Rice I
Recipe by Hooked on Heat
Vegetable Fritters
right|Vegetable Fritters
Vegetable Gumbo
Updated old family favorite - Alice in Houston via A.Broaddus
Vegetable Kugel
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
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
Vegetable Paella I
Vegetable Paella I from the Recidemia collection
Vegetable Parmesan Bake
.
Vegetable Party Sandwiches
American cuisine | Bread
Vegetable Pierogi
.