
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)
Vegetable Pot Pie
Vegetable Pot Pie from the Recidemia collection
Vegetable Rice Pancakes
Makes 6 servings.
Vegetable Rolls
Vegetable rolls
Vegetables à la Grecque
A great Greek dish that can be served cold or hot. The dish is best when fresh new vegetables are plentiful.
Vegetable Samosa
Vegetable Samosa from the Recidemia collection
Vegetables in Coconut Milk
Vegetables in Coconut Milk from the Recidemia collection
Vegetable Skillet Ole
Makes 6 servings.
Vegetable soup
Vegetable soup is a soup made from vegetables. Many different recipes and variations are possible.
Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a soup made from vegetables. Many different recipes and variations are possible.
Vegetable Soup I
In Romanian: Supa de zarzavat I
Vegetable Soup II
In Romanian: Supa de zarzavat II
Vegetable Soup Meatloaf
Soup, Vegetable, Canned, Meatless, Condensed by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Vegetable Soup with Sour Cream
In Romanian: Supa de zarzavat cu smantana
Vegetable-stuffed Meatloaf
Makes 6 servings
Vegetables with Sweet Potatoes and Eggplant Curry
A delightful vegetarian curry that will loved by all, vegetarian or not!
Vegetable Thukpa
Vegetable Thukpa
Vegetarian Baked Beans
Vegetarian Baked Beans from the Recidemia collection
Vegetarian Bean Chili
This is a slightly different variation of a traditional Vegetarian Chili recipe. Many of the ingredients (beans, spices, vegetables) can be modified to meet your tastes. This recipe can be made in a stove top pot or in a crock pot.
Vegetarian Breakfast Burrito
Source: Vegetarian Recipes
Vegetarian Chili
Vegetarian Chili from the Public Health Cookbook, Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, in the public domain Cook Time: Approximately 30 minutes Serves: 6
Vegetarian Gravy
. Sausage or bacon gravy over biscuits is popular regional breakfast cuisine in the southern United States. This is a vegetarian version of that dish.
Vegetarian Jambalaya
Vegetarian Jambalaya from the Recidemia collection
Vegetarian Jumbalya
Vegetarian Jumbalya

Vegetarian Lasagna
Vegetarian Lasagna has beautiful colours and is a nice alternative to meat.
Vegetarian Pepper Bowls
Recipe from United Soybean Board
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
right|VegetarianShepherdsPie
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie I
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie is a vegetarian Vietnamese recipe.
Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce
Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Vegetarian-style Zucchini-Tomato Soup
Love Zukes? Try this Zoup. Zowie!
Vegetarian Tomato Hash
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hager Estate in Canton, Texas in 1982.
Veggie Enchiladas
Tasty microwavable enchiladas!
Vegtable Kurma
Vegtable Kurma from the Recidemia collection
Venison Italian Soup
Ground venison is sautéed with onion and garlic and added to this tomato based soup with Italian seasonings, pinto beans, vegetables and ziti pasta. To lower the carbs on this leave out the pasta or use a low carb alternative.
Vichyssoise New Guinea
Vichyssoise New Guinea from the Recidemia collection
Victory Rice Salad
Makes 8 servings
Viennese Beef Soup
Viennese Beef Soup 2 hours preparation 10 servings.
Vietnamese Bo Luc Lac Salad
Bo Luc Lac Salad is a Vietnamese salad, which can be served cool.
Vietnamese Rolls
Vietnamese Roll (chả giò) (know to foreigners as spring rolls) is one of Vietnam's national dishes. It can be made in families or exits on menus of restaurants for their parties.
Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Salad
Vietnamese sweet and sour salad is a salad easy to prepare.
Vinaigrette I
In Romanian: Vinegreta I
Vinaigrette II
In Romanian: Vinegreta II
Vipava Soup
10 servings
Virginia Brunswick Stew
Contributed Catsrecipes Y-Group
Vodka Sauce by Shakerpenguin
Submitted by shakerpenguin Uploaded by madaslue SO. Inspired by the vodka sauce thread, and the couple recipes posted there (thanks squirrellypoo), I decided to make pasta tonight.
Waldorf Astoria Stew in the Crock Pot
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Cunningham Estate in Seven Points, Texas in 1999.
Walnut Brown Rice Dressing
Makes 6 servings.
Warm Quinoa and Zucchini-stuffed Tomatoes
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Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * WW points: 5 * Ser
West Coast Shrimp Stir-fry
Makes 6 servings.