Using white onions in cooking can be a trickier than expected, particularly for individuals who are not accustomed to cooking. A common mistake people make is not cutting the onion properly, which can affect the texture of the dish. Also, white onions have a high water content. It's essential to sauté them long enough to remove the water and concentrate the flavours. If not, it may lead into a mild and watery dish instead of its potential robust, sweet and savory profile.
On the other hand, to get the most out of your white onion, consider dicing or caramelizing it. Diced white onions are great in raw dishes like salads, or as a topping for tacos and burgers, offering a mild flavour and a pleasant crunch. Caramelized white onions, which are slowly cooked until brown and soft, bring a sweet and deeply savory flavor to dishes, from soups and stews to pizzas and sandwiches.
Little known tricks include soaking the onions in cold water before using them for about 10 minutes. This removes some of the bite from raw onions, making them perfect when used in salads or other dishes where they are used uncooked.
Another pro tip is to always cut onions with a sharp knife. A dull knife can 'break' the cell walls, releasing more irritant gas and making your eyes water more. A sharp knife, on the other hand, cuts cleanly through the cells, producing fewer irritants and reducing the 'tear factor' when you chop onions.
How can I reduce the strong flavor of raw white onions?
Why do my eyes water when I cut onions?
What kind of recipes can I use white onions for?
Can I substitute white onions for red onions?
What's the difference between white onions and sweet onions?
How can I get the best flavor out of my white onions?
Do I need to peel white onions?
Can white onions be eaten raw?
Why does the flavor of white onions change when cooked?
Can I freeze white onions?