Our upstairs neighbors are away, and because we famously can’t cook salmon when they’re present, I opted to prepare salmon gyro bowls for dinner.
The only snag? I needed to chop an onion.
Whenever I chop an onion, I, like most folks, cry like a baby. Tears running down my cheeks, attempting to look away without slicing off a finger, the entire ordeal. So, this time, I attempted something different.
I put on glasses and lit a candle. I’d heard of these methods over time and finally decided to try them out. And, lo and behold, my eyes felt completely normal — not a tear in sight. I could have chopped onions allllll day long.
My friend Michael and I were amazed. (Toby was indifferent.)
How wonderful is that??? And now that I’m liberated, what are your top onion-forward recipes? I’m considering: cauliflower and onion gratin, rigatoni with caramelized onions and gorgonzola, and Jenny’s broccoli soup.
P.S. Poetry on motherhood that moves us to laughter and tears, and what’s your best kitchen trick?
**How to Prevent Tears While Chopping Onions**
Chopping onions is a common cooking task that often causes tears. This reaction occurs due to the release of a gas called syn-Propanethial-S-oxide, which irritates the eyes. Thankfully, there are several effective ways to minimize or avoid tears while chopping onions.
1. **Chill the Onions**: Place the onions in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before chopping. Cold temperatures slow down the chemical process that releases the tear-inducing gas.
2. **Use a Sharp Knife**: A sharp knife causes less damage to the onion cells, reducing the release of the irritant gas. Ensure your knife is well-honed before starting.
3. **Cut Under Running Water**: Chopping onions under a gentle stream of water or near a bowl of water can help disperse the gas before it reaches your eyes.
4. **Use a Ventilator or Fan**: Position a fan to blow the gas away from your face, or use a kitchen ventilator to draw the gas away as you chop.
5. **Wear Goggles**: Protective eyewear, such as swimming goggles, can create a barrier that prevents the gas from reaching your eyes.
6. **Cut Near a Flame**: A lit candle or gas stove can help burn off some of the gas before it irritates your eyes.
7. **Remove the Core**: The root end of the onion contains a higher concentration of the compounds that cause tears. Cut around the root to minimize exposure.
8. **Use a Food Processor**: If precision is not crucial, use a food processor to chop onions quickly, reducing the time you are exposed to the irritant.
9. **Soak Onions in Water**: Peel and soak onions in water for a few minutes before chopping. This can dilute the compounds that cause tears.
10. **Breathe Through Your Mouth**: Breathing through your mouth and sticking your tongue out slightly can help divert the gas away from your eyes.
By using these techniques, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate the tears associated with chopping onions, making your cooking experience more pleasant.
