Onions, revered in the kitchen for their numerous layers and taste, and feared in equal measure due to their tear inducing capacity.

We love to hate them but this week we are singing lyrical about them. After all, what is a great dish without a few onions? While onions play lovely supporting characters in every dish by elevating the flavours, they can also be great main stars. Onions can carry a dish with either bold intensity or subtle complexity.

This week we explore how you can have tasty dishes that cast the onion in the starring role, with all the other ingredients playing small featured roles if any.

Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are perfect when eaten alone or a side dish. They are a sweet treat that can elevate a simple sandwich or burger to new culinary heights. To make them, slice onions into thin strips then put them and some butter in a pan. Add some salt to help the onions leak moisture faster then cook for 30-60 minutes.

You can deglaze the pan with some balsamic vinegar if and when any onions tick to the bottom of the pan. Serve alone or with your favourite dish.

Crunchy Onions

Ever wondered how the crunchy onions served on burgers and with biryani are made? Wonder no more.

The easiest way to cook crispy and crunchy onions is to slice them very thin cover them with cornstarch then fry them in oil till they are brown. You should then remove them from oil and put them on a kitchen towel to dry. Serve.

Onion Salad

To make an onion salad, dice up as many red onions as you like. Dip in some warm water for five minutes to remove the tanginess. Then add in diced cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, parsley or vegetables of your choice, some salt and pepper to taste then serve. The salad can have minimal vegetables so that the onions are the star of the dish.

Onion Boil

With air fryers, you can have a juicy onion boil as your stew for your boiled rice. All you have to do is peel an onion, carve out a tiny hole at the top. Then put in some seasoned butter in the onion and wrap the onion in foil. Pop it in the oven or air fryer for five minutes and remove. You can now dice it atop your rice and enjoy.

Onion Rings

For this recipe, you need to cut your onions into thick rings then make batter with eggs, flour, baking powder, salt and some seasoning. Fry the onion rings in some hot batter and turn over till they are browned on all sides. Remove from heat and put on some napkins to dry. Serve alone, with a dip or some salsa.