Can you use red onion in soup? (+3 types)

In this article, we will answer the question “Can you use red onion in soup?”, and the types of onions and what are they best used for?

Can you use red onion in soup?

Yes, you can use red onion in the soup. If the recipe calls for white or yellow onions or is vague about the kind of onions to use, you can always rely on red onions. 

Like the other two types, cutting the red onion will also leave you teary-eyed. In case you are wondering, yes, you can caramelize the red onion. It becomes sweet as It is cooked. 

Because of the mild flavor and the vibrant red color of these onions, they are ideal for pickles, salads, or any dish that calls for onion in raw form. When using red onion in place of yellow, make sure your dish won’t mind the red color of the onion. 

How to make red onion soup?

To make red onion soup, you will need the following ingredients.

Ingredients 

  • 2 red onion
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • 2.5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 5 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 slices bread (whole wheat)
  • 4 tbsp walnuts (4 tbsp = 50g)
  • 2 tsp pesto 
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp oregano, dried (or parsley, dried)

Instructions 

  1. Finely chop the garlic and toss it in the pot.
  1. After cutting the onion into thin rings, add them to the pot. Pour half of the olive oil into the pot and simmer the onions for approximately 5 minutes.
  1. Pour lemon juice and vegetable broth into the pot when the onions start t become transparent.
  1. Then add oregano or parsley for flavor. You can add both If you like. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes.
  1. In a separate pan, add olive oil followed by the bread cubes.
  1. Then add walnuts and fry until the bread cubes and walnuts are nice and golden.
  1. In a bowl, add soup, followed by croutons, pesto, and some walnuts.
  1. Serve warm and enjoy.

Health benefits of vegan red onion soup

The red onion soup whose recipe is mentioned above is rich in Vitamin B6 which is necessary for cognitive functions. It is needed for the proper functioning of neurotransmitters.

Vitamin B6 also plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and detoxification of the liver. Besides, It helps metabolize carbs.

B6 is also present in tuna, chicken, and beef. Hence the red onion vegan soup is a good plant-based source of this vitamin.

Other FAQs about Onions which you may be interested in.

Are onions poisonous the next day?

Can you eat a raw onion?

How long do onions last?

Types of onions and what are they best used for?

White onions 

White onion is best used raw because of its mild flavor. It can be added to salads and sandwiches. Soak them in cold water to make them taste more mild and sweet. 

Vidalia and Maui onions are in fact white onions but with much higher sugar and much lower sulfur content. Use Vidalia and Maui onions If the recipe demands sweet onions.

White onions are ideal for salsa or vegetable chutney. They also make for the best candidate in sautéed or stir-fried vegetables for extra crunch. White onions are frequently used in Mexican cuisine.

Red onion 

Red onion is sweet but more stingy than white onions. Because of its higher sugar content than white onions, It is ideal for pickling. Its bright red color serves as icing on top. 

Another great thing about red onions is that they charr well when grilled. They turn jammy instead of mushy, unlike their white and yellow counterparts. They are ideal to make guacamole.

Yellow onion

Yellow onion is also called Spanish onion and is well known due to its strong flavor owing to the high sulfur content. Yellow onion is ideal for caramelizing. Its sharpness transforms into sweetness during the process.

What is the most subtle of all onions?

Shallot is not an onion but It has a strikingly similar flavor profile to onions. The best point is their astringency is the lowest of all types of onions. Their flavor is the closest to a mild red onion and they grow like garlic, in the form of cloves and clusters.

Shallots are ideal when making vinaigrette and mignonette or in cooked vinegar sauces such as a balsamic glaze or gastrique. They also go well in a quiche or other egg dishes, because of their smaller size. Thinly sliced shallots make a great garnish for raw or fried vegetable dishes.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “Can you use red onion in soup?”, and the types of onions and what are they best used for?

References

https://www.yummy.ph/lessons/prepping/when-to-use-red-onion-a00249-20180822
https://www.bonappetit.com/story/types-of-onions-what-theyre-best-for
https://tasty.co/article/christinebyrne/onions-are-not-created-equal

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