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Why did my grandmother stick cloves into an onion?

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By sticking a clove into an onion, you get what chefs call a  « studded onion . » This isn’t some old wives’ tale, but a genuine traditional French cooking technique. It gently infuses the clove’s aroma, without overpowering it, while making the onion even more flavorful.

How to prepare a studded onion?

Nothing could be simpler:

  • Peel a medium onion.
  • Stick 5 to 6 cloves into it.
  • Add it as is to your dish:  broth, soup, stew, pot-au-feu…

That’s it! The onion will release its juices, while the cloves will diffuse a warm, slightly woody note that really makes a difference.

This trick works particularly well in winter, when fresh herbs are less readily available. It’s a lovely way to add character to your dishes, without any extra effort.

Why it changes everything in the kitchen

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