Quartering an onion is a simple technique that results in wedge-shaped pieces, perfect for roasting or adding to dishes where you want larger onion pieces. Here's how to do it:
Preparing the Onion
Before you start cutting, you need to prepare the onion:
- Trim the Ends: Using a sharp knife, trim off both the root and stem ends of the onion. This creates flat, stable surfaces for cutting.
- Peel the Onion: Remove the outer papery layers of the onion skin. You can do this by hand or use the tip of your knife to help lift the skin.
Quartering the Onion
Now that the onion is prepared, you can quarter it:
- Cut in Half: Stand the onion on one of the flat ends. Carefully cut the onion in half from top to bottom, slicing through the center.
- Quarter the Onion: Place each onion half cut-side down on the cutting board. Cut each half in half again, from top to bottom, aiming for the central point of the onion. This will give you four equal quarters.
Tips for Quartering
- Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife for clean, precise cuts. A dull knife can slip and cause injury.
- Stable Surface: Ensure your cutting board is stable and won't slide around while you're cutting.
- Central Point: When quartering, aim your knife towards the central point of the onion. As mentioned in the reference video, "So as we go we're going into the central point of the onion. And that way we get nice wedge shapes all the time." This ensures that each quarter is a similar size and shape, which is ideal for even cooking.
- Roasting: Quartered onions are great for roasting. The reference video mentions, "And then if we're roasting it in an oven," indicating that this cutting method is suitable for dishes where the onion will be cooked in the oven.
Uses for Quartered Onions
- Roasting: Quartered onions can be roasted alongside meats or other vegetables. They caramelize beautifully in the oven, adding a sweet and savory flavor to your dish.
- Skewers: Onion quarters are perfect for threading onto skewers with other vegetables and meats for grilling.
- Stocks and Broths: Larger onion pieces like quarters can be added to stocks and broths for a robust flavor.
Summary of Steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Trim the Ends | Cut off the root and stem ends to create flat surfaces. |
| Peel the Onion | Remove the outer papery layers of the onion skin. |
| Cut in Half | Stand the onion on one flat end and cut it in half from top to bottom. |
| Quarter the Onion | Place each half cut-side down and cut in half again, aiming for the central point of the onion. |
| Use for Cooking | Quartered onions are ideal for roasting, skewers, and adding to stocks and broths. |
By following these steps, you can easily quarter an onion and use it in a variety of dishes.
