
Red Onion
Red onions are a versatile and flavorful allium, prized for their vibrant purple-red skin and crisp, slightly sweet flavor. Unlike their yellow counterparts, red onions offer a milder pungency, making them ideal for raw preparations and cooked dishes alike. Their striking color adds visual appeal to salads, salsas, and other culinary creations. They're a great source of antioxidants and are commonly used in both raw and cooked applications.
Common Uses
- Enhance your favorite salad with thinly sliced raw red onion for a burst of color and a subtly sweet, yet slightly sharp flavor. The slight bite adds complexity to the mix.
- Create a vibrant and flavorful salsa or pico de gallo by dicing red onion and combining it with tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and chili peppers. It adds a tangy zest to Mexican dishes.
- Caramelize sliced red onions slowly over low heat until they become soft, sweet, and deeply browned. Use them as a topping for burgers, pizzas, or as a base for soups and sauces.
- Pickle red onion slices in vinegar, sugar, and spices for a tangy and colorful condiment. These pickled red onions add a bright, acidic counterpoint to rich dishes and grilled meats.
- Grill red onion wedges alongside other vegetables for a smoky and charred flavor. The grilling process mellows the onion's sharpness and brings out its sweetness, making it a delicious addition to skewers or vegetable platters.
- Add diced red onion to stir-fries and sautés for a subtle oniony flavor and a pop of color. Red onions cook quickly, retaining some of their crispness and adding texture to the dish.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
40.0kcal (2%)
Protein
1.1g (2.2%)
Carbs
9.3g (3.38%)
Sugars
4.2g (8.4%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
40.0kcal (2%)
Protein
1.1g (2.2%)
Carbs
9.3g (3.38%)
Sugars
4.2g (8.4%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants, including quercetin and anthocyanins, which may help protect against cell damage.
- May support heart health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Contains prebiotic fibers that promote a healthy gut microbiome and improve digestion.
- May have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- A good source of vitamin C, boosting the immune system and promoting skin health.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Store red onions in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or cellar, away from direct sunlight and heat. Whole, unpeeled red onions can last for several weeks under these conditions. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and cause them to spoil more quickly. Once cut, wrap the remaining portion tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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