Using a sharp chef’s knife, trim off both root and stem ends of the onion. Slice onion in half through the root and stem and peel off the skin. Thinly slice onions lengthwise, from the root to the stem, into ¼” wide slices.
What is the best way to slice onions for French onion soup?
HOW TO CUT THE ONIONS: Cut off the root of the onion on both sides and then peel the onion. Cut the onion in half making a half moon. Then slice the onion into thin slices.
Which direction do you slice onions?
Crosswise. When a recipe calls for sliced onions, you have a choice of how to slice them—lengthwise or crosswise. If you are cooking the onions, as for caramelizing them, you’ll likely want to slice them lengthwise, or from root to stem. That way they will hold their shape better during the cooking.
Should you cut onions with or against the grain?
Onions can either be sliced pole-to-pole (from root to stem) or cut orbitally (through the middle). Since onion cells are longer pole-to-pole, cutting in that direction and going with the grain damages fewer cells. If you damage fewer cells, less of the stinging gas that typically irritates the eyes is released.
How thick should onions be for French onion soup?
Directions for French onion soup
Peel each half, keeping the flesh tethered at the root end. Slice 1/4-inch thick longways, pole-to-pole, using a mandolin if you have one. Toss the slices to loosen and separate them.
Does it matter how you slice an onion?
When you cut end to end, or with the grain, you cause less damage and release fewer compounds than when you slice through the middle. Slicing through the middle, or against the grain, causes a greater disruption and leaves you with a stronger, more pungent taste.
Does the way you cut onion matter?
Because the layers of plant cells in an onion run from the root to the stem end of the bulb, the direction in which you slice onions can make a big difference in their cooked appearance and texture.
Do you cut an onion horizontally or vertically?
Why slice onions vertically? To slice an onion pole to pole, or vertically, is to cut it with—not against—its fibers. Pieces of vertically sliced onion hold their shape better when cooked, which is particularly noticeable in caramelized onions: Horizontal cuts can become a pile of brown mush.
Why do chefs cut onions horizontally?
If you don’t slice horizontally you’ll get bigger chunks. If you’re making mirepoix for stock, this doesn’t matter. If you’re making risotto, it WAY matters. You don’t want big onion chunks in risotto.
Why do you soak onions in ice water?
You can get rid of the strong taste by soaking sliced onions in ice water for 20 to 30 minutes or by sprinkling them with an acid such as vinegar. Onions soaked in ice water will get very crisp while those sprinkled with vinegar will soften a bit, but they will lose the strong taste and become sweeter.
How do you cut onion taste in soup?
“Water, a quick pickle of cut onion in vinegar for a few minutes, or any kind of acid will also dissolve the enzymes and take the bite out of the onion,” says Patel. And if you’re really against using strong onions, stick to a milder variety such as white or Vidalia onions, shallots, or spring onions.
How do you prevent tearing when cutting onions?
A dull knife smashes rather than slices, doing more damage to the onions’ cells and thereby releasing more of the tear-inducing compound. You can also try chilling your onions. It takes foresight, but chilling peeled, halved onions in the fridge or in a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes can lessen the chemical’s effect.
Should you cut onions pole to pole?
When a recipe calls for sliced onions, pole-to-pole slices are what we’re looking for. They cook more evenly, tenderize better, and, when cooked long enough, will almost completely break down, adding body to soups, stews, and braises.
Can I cut onions ahead of time for French onion soup?
Lesson learned: If onions are a mere accent in your dish, feel free to prep them in advance. If they’re a focal point, chop them right before using.
Should French onion soup be thick or thin?
Made slightly thicker than most watered down soups because every mouthful NEEDS a slightly thickened texture to compliment the caramelized onions.
Why is my French onion soup bitter?
Cook them too quickly over heat that’s too high, and you risk burning them and adding a scorched, bitter taste to your soup, so resist the urge to speed up this step. This French Onion Soup with Comté calls for cooking the onions for about an hour, which we thought was just right.
What does it mean to cut an onion in half moons?
How to make half-moons. Halve the onion from top to root. Trim the top, leaving the root end untrimmed. Peel. Slice crosswise from top to root end.
How do you cut thick onion slices?
Follow these steps for perfect onion slices or wedges every time.
- Cut onion in half lengthways from bulb end to tip. Remove papery outer skin.
- Place onion, cut side down, on chopping board.
- Using the tip of the knife, cut onion lengthways into even slices or, at a slight angle, into even wedges.
Why do you grate an onion?
This process allows you to create small onion pieces that caramelize quickly and evenly, rather than chopped onions or diced onions which you’ll usually need to precook before incorporating into a sautéed mixture.
How long do onions last after cut?
about one week
Store cut onions in the refrigerator (or even the freezer)… You can hang on to a halved or sliced onion in an airtight container in the fridge for about one week. Store them in an airtight container (preferably a glass one, as plastic will absorb odor) to decrease oxidation, moisture absorption, and stinkiness.
What is the difference between diced and chopped onions?
The difference between chopped and diced is that chopped is looser. There may be some uneven pieces. Dice is ideally small squares of even sizes. Since there are layers to an onion, even an onion that is properly diced will fall apart into sheets, so they will not be cubes (the way diced carrots would stay cubed.)