Why Rinse Onions? (chops, salad, sweet, bean)

[LeeHoLee]

I was looking for a recipe for 3 bean salad and found this one that says to mince then soak and drain onions. Any idea what that's supposed to accomplish?


https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/...recipe-2102694

[Hemlock140]

With bean salad, the onions should play a subtle role, and not overpower the beans. Soaking after chopping takes some of the "bite" out of them.

[saibot]

I would think whether you would do this would depend on how sharp the onions are, and how much you like onions. Some onions are already pretty sweet. Some people really like the onion flavor. Your mileage may vary.

[LeeHoLee]

Oh okay. That makes sense.

[TabulaRasa]

My husband always soaks onions after he chops them to "mellow" them (only does it with yellow onions, never Vidalias or other sweet varieties).

I never do.

[gentlearts]

We can buy Vidalia onions here, so that is what I use. Never heard of soaking.

[LeeHoLee]

I made this today using red onions, and I can definitely tell the difference soaking makes. They are onion-y but not harsh or overpowering. I do think it could use just another tbsp or two of marinade, but other than that, this is a good dish.

Edited: Now that I re-read the recipe, I added a can of garbanzos too, so it's my fault there wasn't quite enough marinade.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by gentlearts

We can buy Vidalia onions here, so that is what I use. Never heard of soaking.

agree. We either use Vdalias when in season or buy the 6 lb bag of sweet onions from Sam's. I never soak them.