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Two reasons, texture and flavor. Onions have a fibrous cellular structure that is enhanced by the amount of liquid engorging the cells. They also contain a fair amount of sulfur (the reason they make you cry when you cut them, because the sulfur mixes with the tears in your eyes to create sulfuric acid) that needs to be compensated for. When you cook onions it "softens" them and also helps to change some of the natural sugars, to bring out the sweetness. If you cook them long enough they even brown as the sugars caramelize. It's actually possible to change the texture, but not the flavor, by desiccating the onions. You pour salt on them to "sweat" them, drawing the moisture directly from the cells. This will intensify their flavor, but not their sweetness, so it's not the preferred method. Fry them with confidence! For peppers, it's almost the same. However, peppers (a member of the nightshade family of plants) contain capsicum, which contains capsaicin. Capsaicin is a bitter compound that is an irritant... it BURNS. In order to counteract that bitter burn you need sugar. As mentioned before, with onions, you can do that by frying the peppers until the sugars change complexity and intensify. Make sense? Don't be afraid to use a little fat, sparingly, to fry your onions and peppers and you'll get a better result, every time. Sometimes, the scant extra calories make ALL the difference in your dishes.
What else can I help you with?
What are the differences between poblano peppers and pasilla peppers?
Poblano peppers are larger and milder in flavor compared to pasilla peppers, which are smaller and have a richer, spicier taste. Poblano peppers are often used in dishes like chiles rellenos, while pasilla peppers are commonly used in Mexican mole sauces.
Can sloppy joe be added to dog food?
It shouldn't be. Some sloppy joe's have onions or peppers mixed in, which are highly toxic to dogs. Depending on the sauces used, the 'joe may still have ill effects even if no onions or peppers are present.
What are the differences between ancho and poblano peppers in terms of flavor, heat level, and culinary uses?
Ancho peppers are dried poblano peppers, so they have a deeper, sweeter flavor with mild heat. Poblano peppers are fresh and have a milder flavor with medium heat. Ancho peppers are commonly used in sauces and rubs, while poblano peppers are often stuffed or roasted for dishes like chiles rellenos.
What are the differences between poblano peppers and pasilla peppers in terms of flavor, heat level, and culinary uses?
Poblano peppers are milder in heat compared to pasilla peppers, which are spicier. Poblanos have a rich, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness, while pasilla peppers have a smoky, raisin-like taste. Poblanos are often used in dishes like chiles rellenos, while pasilla peppers are commonly used in mole sauces and salsas.
What are the differences between poblano and pasilla peppers in terms of flavor, heat level, and culinary uses?
Poblano peppers are milder in heat compared to pasilla peppers, which have a medium level of spiciness. Poblano peppers have a rich, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness, while pasilla peppers have a smoky, raisin-like taste. Poblano peppers are commonly used in dishes like chiles rellenos, while pasilla peppers are often used in sauces and stews for their depth of flavor.
How do you say condiment in Japanese?
薬味 (yakumi) can be used for a chopped or minced condiment (eg green onions or red peppers) and 香辛料 (koushinryou) can be used for spices. 調味料 (chomiyrou) is flavoring (like salt, pepper, and sauces).
What ingredients are required for a simple texmex recipe?
A simple tex mex recipe needs tortillas, a ground meat or meat substitute such as beans, varying seasonal vegetables like lettuce, peppers, onions and garlic, sour cream and any other desired sauces.
What are some common types of peppers used in Italian cuisine, such as pepperoncini and banana peppers?
Some common types of peppers used in Italian cuisine include pepperoncini, banana peppers, and bell peppers. These peppers are often used in dishes like salads, sandwiches, and pasta sauces to add flavor and a bit of heat.
Are peppers the only spicy food available?
No, peppers are not the only spicy food available. Other spicy foods include chili peppers, hot sauces, horseradish, wasabi, and spices like cayenne pepper and black pepper.
How hot are serrano peppers?
Serrano peppers range naturally from 6,000 to 23,000 Scoville units. Follow the link below for comparisons with other peppers and commercial sauces.
Are limes harmful if you have an ulcer?
Yes. The main culprits are: strong spices such as pepper, cayenne, oregano and curries, salt, vinegar, chiles, onions, garlic, radish, wasabi, hot sauces, cooked tomato sauce, lemon and lime juice, alcohol, coffee, cola soft drinks, extremely hot soups and beverages, and drugs such as aspirin and prednisone.
What is hydration of food?
Hydrating foods is to add moisture. Some dried foods must be rehydrated before they are used in certain recipes. Chiles are a good example. They are soaked before using them to make sauces or soups. Dried mushrooms are rehydrated before using them in spaghetti sauce. Some dried fruits are rehydrated before using them in baked goods.
