Useful properties of stewed onions for the body and the most delicious recipes

Stewed onions are used separately and added to first and second courses. It has a rich chemical composition and many useful qualities, but at the same time it has contraindications and, if used incorrectly, can cause harm to the body.

In this article we will tell you how to stew onions correctly and offer you to try several recipes for stewed and fried onions.

Chemical composition and nutritional value of stewed onions

Even after stewing, onions retain most of their beneficial substances. in its composition.

The calorie content of 100 g of fresh product is 45 kcal, but as a result of heat treatment it increases. Therefore, if you are watching your figure or adhering to the principles of a healthy diet, it is recommended to pay attention to the change in this indicator, as well as the glycemic index and BJU of this vegetable.

Microelements and vitamins

The vegetable has a rich chemical composition. It includes:

• alimentary fiber;
• ash;
• saturated, poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids;
• essential and non-essential amino acids;
• Sahara;
• omega-3 and -6;
• sterols;
• vitamin A;
• alpha and beta carotene;
• vitamin E;
• ascorbic acid;
• B vitamins;
• vitamin K;
• calcium;
• potassium;
• iron;
• sodium;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium;
• zinc.

Calorie content, dietary fat and glycemic index per 100 g

Calorie content of stewed onions per 100 g is 47 kcal.

BZHU without vegetable oil:

• proteins – 1.4 g;
• fats – 0.2 g;
• carbohydrates – 8.8 g.

The glycemic index of the stewed vegetable is 15. However, this is an average figure; depending on the variety and additional components, it can increase to 98.

Reference. Onions were cultivated more than 4 thousand years ago, and the homeland of the onion variety is the mountainous regions of Central Asia.

Benefits for the body

After heat treatment, most of the beneficial substances are retained in the bulbs.

The stewed product is capable:

• improve the genitourinary system;
• increase immunity and improve the body's protective functions;
• stimulate kidney function;
• have a diuretic effect;
• promote insulin production;
• speed up digestion and metabolic processes;
• reduce the content of “bad” cholesterol in the blood;
• speed up recovery from viral and colds;
• improve appetite.

Regular consumption of this product promotes the accumulation of nutrients and minerals in the body.

It is recommended to add it to food for the following problems:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• atherosclerosis;
• high blood pressure;
• tendency to frequent colds.

Stewed onions have a beneficial effect on women Health – increase fertility and have a beneficial effect on the body during pregnancy.

Harm and contraindications for use

Like any food product, stewed vegetables have a number of harmful properties.

If consumed excessively:

• it negatively affects the functioning of the nervous system, increases excitability;
• leads to excess weight;
• causes an allergic reaction;
• may trigger an asthma attack.

For the dish to bring only benefits, it is important limit its quantity.

It is also necessary to take into account that the vegetable has a number of contraindications:

• intolerance and allergies;
• pathologies of the pancreas, intestines and stomach;
• asthma;
• age up to 5 years.

100 g of onions per day will compensate for the lack of vitamin C, but if you have health problems, it is better to limit its use to 50 g.

Interesting things on the site:

Medicinal properties of baked onions

How to fry onions: the best methods and delicious recipes

Effective folk methods of treating onions

Is it possible to sauté red onions?

All varieties of onions are suitable for stewing, even red varieties and greens.. But some housewives prefer not to stew red turnips, since as a result of heat treatment the product may take on an unattractive appearance.

Stewed onion recipes

Detailed recipes for stewed onions will help even novice cooks prepare a delicious dish.

With carrots

A side dish of stewed onions and carrots is an easy way to go. The peculiarity of this dish is the ability to use it as a side dish or vegetable sauce by adjusting the thickness.

Attention! It is better to prepare this side dish from sweet, juicy carrots. Fodder root vegetables with bitterness are not suitable.

Ingredients:

• onion – 4-5 pcs.;
• carrots (large) – 2 pcs.;
• tomato paste – 3 tbsp. l.;
• vegetable oil - for frying;
• sugar – 1 tsp;
• water – ½ cup;
• salt, ground pepper - to taste.

Cooking method:

1. Peel the vegetables, grate the carrots on a coarse grater, and cut the onion into strips.
2. Pour vegetable oil into a saucepan and let it boil over medium heat for several minutes.
3. Add carrots to heated oil and fry until they become soft.
4. Add onion, salt, pepper and mix well.
5. After the vegetables have softened and acquired a golden hue, pour them with a sauce made from warm water, granulated sugar and tomato paste.
6. Stir, bring to a boil, cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes over low heat.

Tomato paste can be replaced with natural juice from fresh tomatoes.

With tomatoes and cheese

In Bulgaria, a popular stew is made from feta cheese, tomatoes and onions.

His prepared from the following ingredients:

• feta cheese – 0.4 kg;
• onions – 4 pcs.;
• fresh tomatoes – 3 pcs.;
• vegetable oil – 100 ml;
• butter – 1 tbsp. l.;
• ground pepper - to taste.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan, add butter to it and wait until it melts. Then add finely chopped onions and tomatoes to the frying pan, pepper and simmer for 5 minutes.

Place feta cheese in one piece or cut into squares onto the vegetable mixture, cover with a lid and simmer for another 10-15 minutes over low heat.

In Greek

In Greek cuisine, onions are often the main ingredient when preparing main courses. At the same time, it acquires an unusual taste that even the most fastidious gourmets will like.

Compound:

• onions – 1 kg;
• liquid honey – 50 g;
• tomato juice – 120 ml;
• olive oil – 50 ml;
• wine vinegar – 20 ml;
• celery – 2 stalks;
• dry white wine – 20 ml;
• ground pepper and salt - to taste.

This quick and tasty side dish is served with pasta, poultry, as well as meat and fish dishes.

Cooking steps:

1. Peel the onions and cut into quarters. If they are small, then cook them whole.
2. Heat olive oil in a deep frying pan or saucepan and fry the onion in it for about 5 minutes.
3. Add honey and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Pour in vinegar and wine, stir.
5. Add celery, cut into slices.
6. Pour in tomato juice and stir.
7. Bring to a boil and simmer until the dish begins to thicken.

Onions with herbs

Fragrant onions with herbs will be a good appetizer for pork kebab and will decorate the holiday table.

List of components:

• onion – 4 pcs.;
• red onion – 2 pcs.;
• Provençal herbs (dried) – 1 tbsp. l.;
• parsley – 1 bunch;
• fresh thyme - 1 sprig;
• lemon juice – 1 tbsp. l.;
• garlic – 2 cloves;
• olive oil – 3 tbsp. l.;
• Dijon mustard – 1 tsp;
• ground pepper and salt - to taste.

Even novice cooks can handle preparing this dish. The recipe involves stewing the vegetable not on the stove, but in the oven.

Step by step guide:

1. Grate the garlic on a fine grater and combine with oil, mustard, salt, herbes de Provence, pepper, lemon juice and thyme.
2. Cut the vegetables into large rings, place on a baking sheet and pour over the resulting dressing.
3. Place in an oven heated to 200°C and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the finished dish with chopped herbs.

Shallot

The Italians were the first to start stewing shallots. It will take approximately 40-60 minutes to prepare this dish.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Heat 4 tbsp. l. vegetable oil and dissolve 2 tbsp in it. l. granulated sugar.
2. Cut 250 g of carrots into strips and fry together with 750 g of shallots in sweet oil.
3. Pepper, salt, add 4 tbsp. l. wine vinegar and 250 ml of dry rose wine, simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add 2 tbsp to the finished dish. l. raisins and 50 g pine nuts.

How to stew and store stewed onions for the winter

Some housewives prepare stewed onions for the winter. This increases the shelf life of damaged bulbs.

To prepare winter preparations you will need:

• onions – 0.5 kg;
• vegetable oil – 4 tbsp. l.;
• ground black pepper - optional.

Remove the skins from the onions and wash them.

Advice. To avoid “crying” while cooking, soak the peeled onions in cool water for 1 hour.

Cooking algorithm:

1. Chop the onion, the size of the pieces depends on your preferences.
2. Place in a frying pan and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
3. Pour in a small amount of water and pepper, you can add a little tomato paste for taste.
4. Close the lid and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes.
5. Place the prepared onions in sterilized jars and roll up.
6. Cover the jars with a towel, and after a day, put them in the refrigerator or take them to a cool basement.

Stewed onions make an excellent winter snack; they can also be added to soups and other dishes as a seasoning.

Conclusion

Fresh onions are healthier than stewed ones, but the second one has a pleasant taste and is free of natural bitterness. It also contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals, so even people on a diet eat it. Step-by-step recipes from our article will allow you to prepare a variety of stewed onions for every taste.