If you’ve ever found yourself staring at an onion in your kitchen, wondering what on earth you’re supposed to do with it, you’re not alone. Onions are one of those ingredients that seem basic but can be a bit intimidating if you’re new to cooking. Luckily, onions are incredibly versatile, easy to work with, and can take your meals from bland to flavorful in no time. Here’s a guide to some easy dishes with onions that anyone can whip up, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen.
- Quick and Tasty Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions might sound fancy, but they’re super easy to make and can be added to just about anything. All you need is an onion, some butter or oil, and a bit of patience. Slice your onion thinly and cook it over low heat in a pan with butter or oil, stirring occasionally. After about 20-30 minutes, the onions will turn golden brown and sweet. Toss them on a burger, mix them into pasta, or use them as a pizza topping for a burst of flavor that
takes minimal effort.
Here is one of our favorite recipes with caramelized onions:
Easy Onion and Cheese Quesadilla
Quesadillas are a go-to for quick and easy meals, and adding onions takes them up a notch. Simply slice an onion and sauté it in a bit of oil until soft. Then, layer the cooked onions and some shredded cheese between two tortillas, and cook in a pan until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden. This dish is perfect for a quick snack or a lazy dinner when you
want something tasty but don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. If you feel like graduating to another quesadilla, try this Quesadilla with Jalapeno Jack and Fresh Chard.
- Onion-Loaded Scrambled Eggs
If you’ve got an onion and some eggs, you’ve got the makings of a delicious and easy breakfast. Dice up the onion and cook it in a pan with a little oil until it’s soft. Then, pour in your beaten eggs and scramble everything together. The onions add a sweet, savory flavor that makes scrambled eggs way more interesting. Pair with some toast, and you’ve
got a simple meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Feeling adventurous, try this breakfast recipe, Chipotle Egg Sandwich for a tasty grab-n-go meal.
- Roasted Onion and Veggie Bowl
Roasting is one of the easiest cooking methods out there, and it works especially well with onions. Cut an onion into wedges and toss it with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add some other veggies you like—like carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes—and roast everything in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes. The result is a tasty, healthy dish that you can eat on its own or use as a base for grain bowls, salads, or even tacos.
- Simple Onion Soup
Onion soup might sound like something you’d only order in a restaurant, but it’s actually easy to make at home. All you need is a few onions, some broth, and a bit of time. Slice the onio
ns and cook them slowly in a pot with a bit of butter until they’re caramelized. Add broth and let it simmer until all the flavors meld together. Top with some grated cheese and croutons if you’re feeling fancy. This cozy dish is perfect for when you want something warm and comforting. If you have some left-over rice from Chinese take-out, this easy and tasty Vegetable Rice Soup
will help you make use of it all. That way, you can have a zero-waste kitchen!
Wondering why onions are so good for your meals?
Onions might seem like a basic ingredient, but they’re a kitchen powerhouse. They add depth, sweetness, and a savory punch to dishes with very little effort. Plus, they’re super cheap and last forever in your pantry, making them a great go-to ingredient when you’re on a budget or just starting to stock your kitchen.
Onions are not only about flavor, but they’re truly a vegetable that fights disease, cancer and boosts your immune system. Learn about all the onion can do here.
Cooking with onions doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re making a quick quesadilla, whipping up some caramelized onions, or trying your hand at homemade onion soup, these easy dishes with onions are perfect for anyone looking to up their cooking game without spending hours in the kitchen. So next time you see an onion staring back at you, you’ll know exactly what to do with it.
