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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)

RCI-BR.006.0361.001

Vegetable Pot Pie

Vegetable Pot Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0212.001

Vegetable Rice Pancakes

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SN.005.0070.001

Vegetable Rolls

Vegetable rolls

RCI-VG.004.1490.001

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.

RCI-SN.005.0071.001

Vegetable Samosa

Vegetable Samosa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0284.001

Vegetables in Coconut Milk

Vegetables in Coconut Milk from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1494.001

Vegetable Skillet Ole

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.003.0714.001

Vegetable soup

Vegetable soup is a soup made from vegetables. Many different recipes and variations are possible.

RCI-SP.003.0715.001

Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is a soup made from vegetables. Many different recipes and variations are possible.

RCI-SP.001.0150.001

Vegetable Soup I

In Romanian: Supa de zarzavat I

RCI-SP.003.0716.001

Vegetable Soup II

In Romanian: Supa de zarzavat II

RCI-MT.005.0327.001

Vegetable Soup Meatloaf

Soup, Vegetable, Canned, Meatless, Condensed by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-SP.002.0222.001

Vegetable Soup with Sour Cream

In Romanian: Supa de zarzavat cu smantana

RCI-MT.005.0328.001

Vegetable-stuffed Meatloaf

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.005.0285.001

Vegetables with Sweet Potatoes and Eggplant Curry

A delightful vegetarian curry that will loved by all, vegetarian or not!

RCI-ND.004.0034.001

Vegetable Thukpa

Vegetable Thukpa

RCI-VG.004.1499.001

Vegetarian Baked Beans

Vegetarian Baked Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1500.001

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.

RCI-SW.003.0097.001

Vegetarian Breakfast Burrito

Source: Vegetarian Recipes

RCI-SP.003.0719.001

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

RCI-SC.004.0052.002

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.

RCI-RC.004.0319.001

Vegetarian Jambalaya

Vegetarian Jambalaya from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1503.001

Vegetarian Jumbalya

Vegetarian Jumbalya

Vegetarian Lasagna
RCI-ND.002.0156.001

Vegetarian Lasagna

Vegetarian Lasagna has beautiful colours and is a nice alternative to meat.

RCI-VG.005.0278.001

Vegetarian Pepper Bowls

Recipe from United Soybean Board

RCI-BR.006.0363.001

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

right|VegetarianShepherdsPie

RCI-BR.006.0364.001

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie I

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie is a vegetarian Vietnamese recipe.

RCI-VG.004.1506.001

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

RCI-ND.001.0127.001

Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce

Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0223.001

Vegetarian-style Zucchini-Tomato Soup

Love Zukes? Try this Zoup. Zowie!

RCI-VG.004.1507.001

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.

RCI-VG.005.0279.001

Veggie Enchiladas

Tasty microwavable enchiladas!

RCI-SP.005.0287.001

Vegtable Kurma

Vegtable Kurma from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1512.001

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.

RCI-SP.002.0227.001

Vichyssoise New Guinea

Vichyssoise New Guinea from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0320.001

Victory Rice Salad

Makes 8 servings

RCI-SP.001.0152.001

Viennese Beef Soup

Viennese Beef Soup 2 hours preparation 10 servings.

RCI-MT.001.0303.001

Vietnamese Bo Luc Lac Salad

Bo Luc Lac Salad is a Vietnamese salad, which can be served cool.

RCI-SN.003.0295.001

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.

RCI-VG.001.0642.001

Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Salad

Vietnamese sweet and sour salad is a salad easy to prepare.

RCI-VG.004.1514.001

Vinaigrette I

In Romanian: Vinegreta I

RCI-VG.004.1515.001

Vinaigrette II

In Romanian: Vinegreta II

RCI-VG.005.0280.001

Vipava Soup

10 servings

RCI-SP.004.0324.001

Virginia Brunswick Stew

Contributed Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SC.001.0067.001

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.

RCI-SP.004.0327.001

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.

RCI-RC.004.0321.001

Walnut Brown Rice Dressing

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.005.0281.001

Warm Quinoa and Zucchini-stuffed Tomatoes

.

RCI-BR.006.0373.001

Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * WW points: 5 * Ser

RCI-SF.002.0302.001

West Coast Shrimp Stir-fry

Makes 6 servings.