Do you want to know how to chop onions in a food processor? How about without getting onion juice all over your hands and the kitchen countertop?
Well, we all know- chopping onions is a very common task in the kitchen. Even the most novice cook knows that chopped onions add flavor and texture to any dish. But chopping those onions by hand can be time-consuming, tedious, and downright messy. Luckily, there’s a much easier way to do it: using a food processor! In this blog post, we’ll show you how to chop onions in a food processor quickly and easily. So get your food processor out of the cupboard and let’s get started!
In this blog post will show you how to chop an onion with your food processor. Before discussions about the topic, we should know the below information.
Table of Contents
The Theory Behind Why It Hurts To Cut Onions
Onions contain a chemical called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This is the compound that actually makes your eyes water when you cut an onion. As soon as this reaches your eyes, it starts stimulating tear glands and this is what causes your eyes to water. Cutting an onion releases enzymes and this chemical is released in the air when it has been sliced, but if you cut the onion when it is just starting to turn brown then it will release much more of these particles into the air. This means that when you cut an onion, remember to cut them when they are fresh and you should be able to avoid tearing up.
How To Prevent Tears When Cutting Onions?
First of all, you need to make sure that your cutting board is clean and free from any bacteria or other nasties. Next, try not to cut the onion underwater because this alters its chemical properties of it and can actually cause you to have more trouble with tearing. Instead, dry the onion and then cut it under some running water. It also helps to chill the onion for 15 or 20 minutes before you start cutting it. You can even add ice cubes to make this happen faster.
Some people like to rub a little bit of salt on their onions before they start chopping them, but be careful because too much salt on your onion can lead to you having too much in your recipe.
If none of these tips work, then you can also try using a paper towel or holding onto the onion with your fork’s tines when you slice it. Placing a small amount of water in your cutting board will also help to reduce the fumes from the onion.
How Long Does It Take To Cut An Onion?
It usually takes about 5-6 minutes to cut an onion using a knife, whereas using a blender or food processor might take closer to 1 minute. The method that you use will have a big impact on your time spent cutting onions.
How To Chop Onions in a Food Processor- Simple Steps!
You can save both time and tears by following these simple steps!
1. First, peel the onion with a knife or vegetable peeler. Cut off both ends of the onion. If you do not cut both ends of the onion off, it will be hard to insert into your food processor.
2. Then, place half of an onion in your food processor and remove the feed tube cap if your food processor has one.
3. Next, insert the S-shaped blade into the feed tube of your food processor and replace the feed tube cap if you have one on your machine.
4. Lastly, turn on your food processor and hold it down on the top of the onion while it is running until completely chopped.
5. You may have to stop your food processor a few times if one-half of the onion is not chopped. This will depend on how many vegetables you are chopping at one time and also which type of food processor you have, but it shouldn’t take longer than several seconds per chop.
Tips:
• If the onions or vegetables that you are chopping are not completely chopped up after several seconds, then you may need to use your plunger that comes with the food processor to push down on the unchopped vegetable.
• You can also cut the onion in half and do one half at a time.
• Some foods processors come with certain blades for different types of chopping, slicing, or shredding.
The Best Ways To Chop Onions- You May Try!
Food Processor Blades Are Best To Chop Onions
If you are using a food processor to chop up the onion then you will be best served by choosing a blade that is designed for chopping. There are several different blades, and most of them would work fine, but the best ones to use in this case would be one of the blades that has a circular motion, such as the “S” blade, or one of the blades that has a horizontal motion. If you are using a blender rather than a food processor, then the best option would be to chop up an onion in several batches rather than trying to use your blender for one batch of onion at a time.
Chopping Onions By Hand
You can also chop an onion by hand and this will give you more control over the size of your onion pieces. If you do not have a food processor or a blender, then the best way to chop an onion is by doing it yourself. To do this, first, peel the onion with either a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Then, cut the onion in half from top to bottom and place one half on your cutting board with the cut side facing down.
Next, make thin cuts lengthwise into the onion without cutting through the root end. Once you have made each slice all of the way across the onion, then you should be able to peel off several layers of the onion. To finish the job, slice along the cuts that are perpendicular to the first ones you made. You can then chop up your onion pieces into any size that you desire by cutting across this grid. This method will leave you with lots of little bits, but it is very quick and easy to do.
Chopping Onions By Using A Knife
You can also chop onion using a knife. This method will take longer, but it gives you more control over the size of your onion pieces. To do this, first, peel the onion with either a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Then, make thin slices into the onion without cutting through the root end and press down on the onion to hold it in place while you slice. Continue slicing until you have sliced all of the way through your onion, but stop before you reach the root end. Then turn the onion over so that the root side is against your cutting board and finish slicing up your onion into pieces. You can then chop these pieces into any size that you desire.
Chopping Onions Using A Food Processor
If you are using a food processor to chop up an onion then the best option would be to use one of the blades that have a circular motion, such as the “S” blade, or one of the blades that has a horizontal motion. These two types of blades will give you the best results when chopping up an onion.
Chopping Onions Using A Blender
If you are using a blender to chop the onion, then it will probably work best if you do it in several batches rather than trying to use your blender for one batch at a time. This is because the blades of a blender rotate around and around as opposed to chopping in horizontal or vertical motions. If you are trying to chop up an entire onion at once, then your result is most likely going to be a mess rather than something that looks like chopped onions. You can also check Food processor vs immersion blender to know more!
What Is The Best Way To Store A Cut Onion?
The best way to store a cut onion is inside a sealed container with the cut surface against the inside of the lid. This will prevent new odors from contacting and infiltrating your onion. If you do not have a storage container that seals, then loosely cover the open package with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. However, once the onion has been cut, you should not leave it out for more than 4 hours before refrigerating.
Can I Freeze A Cut Onion?
Yes, you can freeze a cut onion. It is not recommended that you freeze an onion whole because the flavor and texture are altered significantly by the cold temperatures. Also, freezing tends to reintroduce water into the cells of the onion, leading to dilution.
However, you can chop or slice the onion before freezing it in sealable plastic freezer bags. This will create smaller pieces that are easier to use when needed for cooking. Ensure that your cut onions are completely thawed and dry before using them in your favorite recipes.
How Long Can I Keep A Cut Onion In The Refrigerator?
A cut onion should be tightly sealed and stored in the refrigerator’s crisper to help maintain freshness. You can expect a cut onion to remain fresh from 3 to 5 days.
Even if the onion has been cut, it is still exhibiting chemical responses that can lead to decomposition and spoilage. Thus, it is not recommended that you store a cut onion outside the refrigerator for more than 4 hours before refrigerating.
Storing an unpeeled onion in the refrigerator will not make it last any longer. However, it will prevent your refrigerator from smelling like onions.
In closing
The next time you need to chop up lots of onions for cooking or salads, save your tears by using the food processor. Simply place the onion in the chopping bowl and pulse until it is chopped into small pieces (not too thin) then transfer them with a spoon to whatever dish that needs some diced veggies. This way, all of those yucky odors are contained within the machine so they don’t fill up your whole kitchen!