Onions are probably one of the most widely used bulbs when it comes to culinary adventures - it is also incredibly versatile. In my own kitchen it makes an almost daily appearance... there are VERY few dishes I make which don't have onion added somewhere along the line. Personally, I like onion served any way and frankly ANY onion is a good onion, but the fact is, there are certain onions that are better suited to certain things because of their flavour profiles and other obvious reasons.
As obvious as this may be to some, I know it may not be to others. Often times what is common knowledge to one person is complete news to another, so I thought I would do a simple post on the various kinds of onions and what they are best suited for.
THE WHITE ONION
This one is probably has the biggest crunch factor of all the onions as well as zing a ling a ling and for this reason is the perfect fit for things like salsas, chutneys, stir-fry's and other similar dishes like chakalaka.
THE SHALLOT
This onion has a much milder flavour profile than the former white onion mentioned. It is a much "softer" taste so is fantastic for home made vinaigrette, egg based dishes like quiche, omelette, egg mayonnaise, entertainment favourites such as deviled eggs as well as for general garnishing and dressings.
THE SWEET ONION
Let's talk egg breakfasts with this onion. Sweet and delicious in flavour! This is probably one of the more commonly purchased onions around the world and much like nice people, is popular because of it's sweetness. This makes it a great match for pretty much anything fried - so basic fried onion or caramelised onion and also for things like hot savoury jams etc.
THE RED ONION
If you love raw onion as much as I do, then THIS is your baby so ideal for sandwiches and salads! In many ways I far prefer the red onions to any others. Now, combining two of my great loves avocado and onion - red onions are superb in guacamole! They are also fantastic for making pickled onions.
THE YELLOW ONION
Last but definitely not least, the yellow onion is by far the best all-rounder of the onions when it comes to cooking with them. So this is the one that is ideal for all our comfort foods such as stews, meat roasts, braised meat dishes and of course let's not forget about SOUPS! As the yellow onion and sweet onions are quite similar in appearance the easiest way to tell the difference is by the size and shape as they are larger than sweet onions and the sweet onions are somewhat flatter in shape - and one other noticeable difference is that yellow onions have a more opaque skin.
The list of onions continues but I think those five pretty much cover the variety generally found in our pantries. I hope that perhaps some of the more novice cooks out and about on Hive find this useful for the next time they decide to make something delicious with this ever versatile veg! And now you have a little more clarity as to what is actually going onion!
Chop Chop Chop!
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Until next time...
Much Love from Cape Town, South Africa xxx
Jaynielea
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