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Pearl Onion

Allium cepa Allergen-Free
Pearl Onion

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Amaryllidaceae
  • Primary Cuisine European
  • Seasonality Late Summer to Fall
  • Source Onion bulb

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

Small, mild, sweet onions, typically about 1-2 cm in diameter, often used whole in stews, roasts, or pickled for garnish.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Sweet, Pungent (raw), Savory (cooked)
TextureCrisp (raw), Tender, Firm (cooked), Juices (cooked)
AromaAromatic, Onion, Sulfurous (raw), Sweet (cooked)
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 85g (approx. 1 cup)
Calories40 kcal
Total Fat0.1 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.1 g
Total Carbohydrate9.3 g
Dietary Fiber1.7 g
Total Sugars4.2 g
Calcium23 mg
Iron0.2 mg
Potassium146 mg

Chef’s Secret

To easily peel pearl onions, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately plunge into ice water. The skins will slip right off.

Substitutions

Best Match

Shallots

1:1

Mild, sweet, and delicate flavor, but smaller cloves rather than a whole small bulb.

Small Boiling Onions

1:1

Slightly larger than pearl onions, but offer a similar mild flavor and whole presentation.

Frozen Pearl Onions

1:1

Convenient, pre-peeled option, retains most of the original flavor and texture.

Quartered White Onion (small)

1:1 (by weight)

More pungent, but can be used for flavor in stews if whole appearance isn't critical.

Buying Guide

Look for firm, dry onions with no sprouts or soft spots. Available fresh, frozen, or pickled.

Flavor Pairings

Cream sauces Roasts (beef lamb poultry) Stews Glazed vegetables Pickling.

Recipes Using Pearl Onion

Baked Creamed Onions image 179
30 Minutes Or Less Onions Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less

Baked Creamed Onions

This fantastic holiday side dish elevates simple onions into a creamy, cheesy, and subtly spicy delight! Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. We use a standard-size bag of onions (about 2 lbs) for easy preparation. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Beef Bourguignonne With Egg Noodles image 127
Course Pasta Rice And Grains Roast Beef Main Ingredient

Beef Bourguignonne With Egg Noodles

Indulge in this classic French comfort food, Beef Bourguignonne, elevated with perfectly cooked egg noodles! This rich and savory stew, adapted from a Southern Living cookbook, features tender beef slow-cooked in a deep, burgundy wine sauce with bacon, mushrooms, and aromatic vegetables. Even better the next day, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor!

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