Onions

photo credit: gourmetsleuth

Other Names:white onion, yellow onion, red onion, dry onions

What is Onions

All members of the alium family onions are one of the most commonly used aromatic vegetables. Onions are classified as dry (yellow, red, white, shallots) or green (scallions, green onions, spring onions). White onions tend to have a strong flavor and have more heat than yellow onions.

Most onions can be substituted for one another but make sure to adjust the quantity based on the onion used.

Substitute for Onions

Scallion (green onions) Shallots

Equivalents

1 medium - 2 to 2 1/2 cups chopped, 3 to 4 cups sliced
1lb =2 large/3 med

metric conversions →

Dry Onions and Shallots

Dry Onions

There are two categories of dry onions, storage onions which include the yellow, white, red onions, and shallots. These onions contain a higher amount of sulfur and are lower in moisture and can be stored in a cool dry location for long periods of time.

Sweet Onions

The other category is sweet onions which contain less water and sulfur like. These sweet onions include Vidalia, Maui, and Walla Walla. These onions are only available a few months of the year from April to August and don't store well for long periods of time.

Storage onions are typically cooked whereas sweet onions may be eaten raw in salads and other dishes.

Green Onions

Green onions are simply immature onions. Green onions are the most perishable of all the onions and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Nutrition Information For Onions

Serving Size

1 cup, chopped

Calories

Calories from Fat

% Daily Value^*

Total Fat 0g

Saturated Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 6mg

Potassium

234g

10%

Total Carbohydrate 15g

Dietary Fiber 3g

10%

Sugars 7g

Protein 2g

Vitamin A 0%	•	Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%	•	Iron 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Favorite Onions Recipes

Memelas
Similar to sopes or huaraches, memelas are grilled thin masa cakes topped with beans, salsa, cabbage, guacamole and cheese. The toppings vary from recipe to recipe and its a good recipe to improvise.
Colcannon With Kale and Bacon
Don't wait for St. Patrick's day to enjoy this traditional Irish side dish. This colcannon dish combines, mashed potatoes, kale, onion and bacon.
Huauzontle con Cebollas y Comino
Huazontles are sauteed with onion, garlic, cumin and vinegar.
Higaditos en Chipotle
This recipe is for Higaditos en Chipotle (Chicken Livers in Chipotle Sauce). The Chicken livers are prepared with charred tomatoes, garlic, onion and chipotle chiles en escabeche.
Summer Avocado Soup
Select firm, ripe avocados for this Summer Avocado Soup recipe. Under or over ripe avocados will not give you the best results. Hass avocados are the best if they are available. Don't bother making these with Pinkerton avocados or the soup will be beyond bland.