Yes, white onions are used for cooking. While often preferred raw, they can certainly be cooked.
While yellow onions are generally recommended for cooking due to their flavor profile when caramelized, white onions offer a sharper, more pungent taste that can be desirable in certain cooked dishes, especially those in Latin American and Southwestern cuisine. They also soften and sweeten when cooked, though perhaps not to the same extent as yellow onions.
Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Yellow Onion | White Onion |
|---|---|---|
| Common Use | Cooked dishes | Raw dishes (salsa, etc.) |
| Flavor | Milder, sweeter when cooked | Sharper, more pungent |
| Cooking Behavior | Caramelizes well | Softens and sweetens, but less |
In summary: You absolutely can cook with white onions. While their stronger flavor is often better suited for raw applications, they can add a unique taste to cooked dishes depending on your preference.
