7 Types Of Onion & The Best Uses For Them

Rather you cook a meal every day or are the occasional cook you will want to be familiar with these five types of onions to make your dishes come together in a melodic balance.

Each with their own flavors and even dare I say personality your choice in what you add them too can lead to a array of flavor.

Shallot

Shallots are small and oblong sometimes very similarly shaped to a small radish. They have a subtle flavor are sweet with a little spiciness are perfect for a egg dish , vinairgrette, or garnish.

Try them out in this tasty angel hair pasta recipe.

White Onion

These are the crunchiest of onions, they have a high water content are the sharpest flavor of the onion family are large and mostly used in Mexican cooking.

The perfect way to try these is with a blooming onion.

Red Onion

Red onions are mild , best eaten raw , they are crisp and add color to dishes and sides like guacamole , salsa, macaroni salad , pickling ,sliced in salads on burgers or in sandwiches. I love it in tuna with some dill pickle salt and pepper.

Heres a easy tuna salad with red onions.

1 large can drained tuna

Your choice of toppings I like mayo mustard and a smidge of sour cream. Salt and pepper , dill pickles, red onion celery and cilantro.

Sweet Onion

Vidalia and walla walla are sweet onions , they have thick layers optimal for frying , onion rings, baked gratins and French onion soup.

Speaking of French onion soup there is a great recipe for it over on budget bytes website !

Yellow Onion

Yellows are sharp and spicy which mellows when cooked, they carmalize beautifully because of the high sugar content. They are perfect for sauteed mushroom with caramalized onions , makes a great burger topping too.

You can experience that spicy to sweet goodness with these sheet pan Philly cheesesteaks.

White Pearl Onions

White Pearl onions can be incorporated into stews, gratins, casseroles, and braises, used to flavor soups and stocks, glazed and served alone, or added to roasted meats and vegetables as a hearty side dish. When pickled, White Pearl onions can be added to salads, garnished on cocktails, or served on appetizer plates.

My favorite recipe for pearls onions is creamed pearl onion gratin, I also adore them in stew.

Green Onions commonly called “Scallions”

What Are Scallions? Scallions are fresh young onions identified by their slender shape and mild flavor. The white stalk has the same sharp, sulfur-y taste characteristic to all alliums, albeit with less bite, while the dark green leaves have a fresher, grassy flavor.

Although scallions may be cooked, either whole or chopped, they are perhaps most enjoyed fresh in salads, as crudites or as a last minute topper for sauces. Scallions are a popular ingredient in Asian and Latin-American cooking and are often used as a garnish in a variety of recipes.

Onion Tip

To avoid watering or crying eyes, place a wet paper towel or moisted towel beneath or near your cutting board the onion enzymes are attracted to water , normally the closet source is your eyes!