Which onion for which recipe?

Red, white, yellow, green or sweet onion? This may seem anecdotal, yet each variety of onion has its flavor, a preferred type of cooking, and a use. Zoom in on this vegetable with a thousand and one layers so you never make a mistake again, and cook it like a pro.

In cooking, onion is one of the most used (and most affordable) ingredients. In reality, it is not a single food, but several types of onions with their own cooking methods and flavors.

What are the differences between white, yellow, red onions, etc.?

Generally speaking, the finer the onion is chopped, the quicker it will cook (this principle applies to all foods). In practice, things are not that simple. There are in fact five main types of onions used in cooking. In addition to their different appearance, they each improve the flavor of our dishes in their own way.

Yellow onion

The yellow onion, white on the inside and brown on the outside, is probably the most common onion in France. It has a fairly short cooking time and caramelizes very easily. In fact, it is often characterized as an “all-purpose” onion. If in doubt, this is the one you should turn to as it is the safest option. The longer the yellow onion cooks, the sweeter it will taste. Yellow onion is the ideal food for stews, soups, broths, sauces, meat dishes, or even homemade pies and pizza.

Sweet onion

Visually quite similar to the yellow onion, the sweet onion is also white on the inside but has an outer layer that looks lighter than its counterpart. With a very strong taste, it is used in recipes where it constitutes the main food such as onion fritters, or even onion soup. It is also found in fried dishes, since it is very easily cooked in a pan.

Red onion

With its mild flavor and radiant color look, the red onion was almost designed to be eaten raw! In fact, it slips perfectly into any salad, sandwich, homemade hamburger, or guacamole and brightens up our plates in the blink of an eye thanks to its seductive purple reflections. However, beware of anyone who dares to cook it, which would result in less punchy onions with a muted flavor. Also, red onion is perfect prepared in homemade pickles.

White onion

Very little used, the white onion is the crunchiest of the family. They are more commonly found in Mexican cuisine, where it enhances cold dishes like salsas, thanks to its slightly spicy flavor.

Green onion

Green onion is widely used in Asian and Latin American cuisine. It has a very mild flavor, which is slightly accentuated at the ends (white parts). It is found in cooked and raw preparations, such as salads, or on homemade fried noodles for example.

The best onion variety according to my recipes

Which onion for a raw recipe?

If the yellow onion is a safe bet that goes everywhere, the red onion remains essential in raw recipes. We choose it for its rather light flavor, and its beautiful purple color which puts you in a good mood. You can also opt for white onion, with its crunchy texture and slightly spicy taste, which will spice up any plate in no time.

Which onion for a frying recipe?

Sweet onion is the perfect food when it comes to frying it in a pan, with vegetables for example, or even covered in breadcrumbs for irresistible fritters. Thanks to its quick cooking, yellow onion is another option that works perfectly, especially when it comes to caramelizing them.

Which onion for stews?

Yes, you will have recognized it. For simmered dishes, it is obviously yellow onion that we use, for its all-purpose side. We easily slip it into a beef bourguignon, a stew, a tagine or a casserole.

Grilled baozi with candied onions, smoked cheddar, and Comté

  • 4 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 45 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Grilled Baozi with candied onions, smoked cheddar, and Comté

Roasted sweet Cévennes onions, black olive seasoning and alfalfa and fennel sprouts

Roasted sweet Cévennes onions, black olive seasoning and alfalfa and fennel sprouts
  • 4 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 20 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Roasted sweet Cévennes onions, black olive seasoning and alfalfa and fennel sprouts

Croque monsieur with sweet onions, nasturtiums and horseradish

Croque monsieur with sweet onions, nasturtiums and horseradish
  • 4 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 25 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Croque-monsieur with sweet onions, nasturtiums and horseradish

Puff pastry tart with candied onions and chanterelles sautéed with thyme

Puff pastry tart with candied onions and chanterelles sautéed with thyme
  • 6 persons
  • Level: Very easy
  • 15 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Puff pastry tart with candied onions and chanterelles sautéed with thyme

Smoked potato mousse

Smoked potato mousse
  • 6 persons
  • Level: Quite difficult
  • 120 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Smoked potato mousse

Cipolle ripiene

Cipolle ripiene
  • 4 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 25 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Cipolle ripiene

Grilled Green Onions with Hazelnuts

Grilled Green Onions with Hazelnuts
  • 4 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 10 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Grilled Green Onions with Hazelnuts

Deviled eggs and tangy onions

Deviled eggs and tangy onions
  • 4 people
  • Level: Very easy
  • 15 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Stuffed Eggs and Tangy Onions

Rustic red onion and tomato tart

Rustic red onion and tomato tart
  • 4 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 30 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Rustic red onion and tomato tart

Pissaladiere

Pissaladiere
  • 4 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 20 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Pissaladière

Fine onion and red mullet tart

Fine onion and red mullet tart
  • 8 people
  • Level: Quite difficult
  • 60 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Fine onion and red mullet tart

Rustic onion, raclette and mustard tart

Rustic onion, raclette and mustard tart
  • 4 people
  • Level: Very easy
  • 20 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Rustic onion, raclette and mustard tart

At Onion gratin

At Onion gratin
  • 4 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 25 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Onion gratinée

Fresh onion tart

Fresh onion tart
  • 4 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 15 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Fresh onion tart

Onions stuffed with rice and lentils

Onions stuffed with rice and lentils
  • 4 people
  • Level: Very easy
  • 35 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Onions stuffed with rice and lentils

Fried onions

Fried onions
  • 4 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 5 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Fried onions

Caramelized Baked Onions

Caramelized Baked Onions
  • 8 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 10 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Caramelized Baked Onions

Toasted bread salad, candied onions and button mushrooms

Toasted bread salad, candied onions and button mushrooms
  • 4 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 30 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Toasted bread salad, candied onions and button mushrooms

Onion tatin, parmesan sorbet

Onion tatin, parmesan sorbet
  • 4 people
  • Level: Easy
  • 15 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Onion tatin, parmesan sorbet

Onion soup, cashew cheese

Onion soup, cashew cheese
  • 4 people
  • Level: Very easy
  • 15 minutes of preparation
  • Cheap
  • See the recipe: Onion soup, cashew cheese

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