Onion
Vegetable◎ Good year-round
Used in 44 of 45 cuisines (98%)
The tearful start to any great flavor symphony.
Pungent and sweet, onions deliver a robust flavor that transforms from sharp and biting when raw to sweet and caramelized when cooked. Their layers offer both texture and depth to a multitude of dishes.
Where it comes from
Onions are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, dating back to ancient Egypt, where they were revered for their flavor, medicinal properties, and symbolism in art.
In the kitchen
Onions serve as a foundational element in countless dishes, from sautéing in mirepoix to caramelizing in soups and sauces, enhancing the overall flavor.
Nutrition (per 100g)
40kcalCal
1.1gProtein
0.1gFat
9.3gCarbs
1.7gFiber
Values are AI-estimated, not from a laboratory database
Pairs well with
Thyme
Sauté onions with thyme on medium heat. The herb's earthy notes lift the onion's sweetness. Add thyme early; it needs time to infuse.
Balsamic Vinegar
Caramelize onions, then deglaze with balsamic. The vinegar's tang cuts through sweetness, adding depth. Stir until syrupy.
Beef
Brown onions with beef. Onion's sweetness complements beef's richness. Start onions first; they need more time to soften.
Celery
Sweat together over medium heat. Onion's sweetness softens celery's bite, perfect for building flavor layers.
Capsicum
Cook capsicum and onion together until soft. The onion's sweetness complements capsicum's brightness, creating a balanced base.
Avocado
Finely chop and mix. Onion's sharpness cuts through avocado's smoothness, adding a crisp bite.
Vegetable Oil
Cook onions in oil until soft. The oil carries onion's sweetness and depth, building a rich foundation.
Beans
Sauté onions until golden before adding beans. Sweet caramelized onions enrich the beans' mild flavor.
Clove
Sauté with onions in a braise. Clove's warmth infuses, while onion's sweetness rounds it out, deepening the dish.
Ground Beef
Sauté onions first until translucent, then add beef. Onions' sweetness lifts the beef's savory depth.
curry powder
Sauté onions until soft, then add curry powder. The sweetness of onions lifts the spice, creating a fragrant base.
ground meat
Sauté onions first till translucent, then add meat. Onions' sweetness seeps into meat, lifting its depth.
Chorizo
Sauté together until onions are soft. The sweetness of the onion balances chorizo's heat, creating a savory-sweet harmony.
palm oil
Cook onions in palm oil until translucent. The oil's robust flavor enhances the onion's sweetness and adds a golden hue.
Cheddar Cheese
Caramelize onions slowly, their sweetness complements cheddar's tang. Layer in sandwiches or atop burgers.
Black-eyed pea
Sauté onions until translucent, then add peas. Onions' sweetness lifts the peas, rounding out the flavor.
Chouriço
Sauté together until onions are soft. Chouriço's fat coats onions, turning them sweet and savory.
Minced Beef
Sweat onions slowly before adding beef. Their sweetness lifts the beef's depth, creating a savory harmony.
seasoning cubes
Sauté onions first to caramelize, then add cubes. The sweetness rounds out the cube's saltiness.
oil for frying
Start with onions in hot oil. They soften and sweeten, setting a savory base for many dishes.
minced meat
Sauté onions first until translucent, then add meat. Onions sweeten and deepen the meat's savory notes.
Gruyere Cheese
Caramelize onions slowly, then add Gruyère. Sweet onions lift the cheese's nutty notes in a gratin.
Ketchup
Sauté onions until soft, then add ketchup. The sweetness of onions lifts ketchup's tang for a richer sauce.
Beef Brisket
Slow cook with brisket, onions turn sweet and melt into the meat. They build a savory base that elevates the beef's richness.
Chicken Liver
Slow sauté until onions caramelize. Their sweetness tames liver's intensity, creating a rich and balanced depth.
sausage meat
Dice onions, sauté till soft, then mix in. Their sweetness balances the savory meat.
suet
Sauté onions in suet for a savory pie filling. The fat softens and sweetens the onions, adding depth.
Linguiça
Sauté together until onions are soft. Linguiça's spice infuses the onions, while their sweetness balances the sausage's richness.
chickpea flour
Sauté onions before adding chickpea flour. The sweet, caramelized onion complements the flour's earthiness in fritters.
spleens
Slow cook with onions. Their sweetness balances the rich, iron taste of spleens. Caramelize for depth.
liver
Sauté onions until soft and sweet, then add liver. Onions' sweetness balances liver's richness.
bones
Roast bones with onions first. The caramelized sugars deepen the stock's flavor, adding a sweet, earthy undertone.
