Chopping onions can be a tedious and tear-inducing task. However, using a food chopper makes dicing onions quick and easy. A food chopper is a small kitchen appliance that evenly and efficiently chops vegetables into uniform pieces. With a few simple steps, you can dice an onion in no time using a food chopper.
Why Use a Food Chopper for Onions?
There are several advantages to using a food chopper for dicing onions:
- Speed – A food chopper can dice an onion much faster than using a knife. The chopping blades make quick work of slicing through the onion.
- Uniform pieces – The blades in a food chopper produce evenly sized onion pieces. This makes for better cooking and a nicer presentation.
- Reduced tears – Because the onion is contained in the chopper, there is less onion vapor released into the air. This results in fewer tears while chopping.
- Safety – The food chopper provides protection for your fingers when chopping. There is less risk of cutting yourself with a knife.
- Less cleanup – Using a food chopper for onions cuts down on chopping mess since the pieces are contained.
For these reasons, a food chopper can be a handy kitchen tool for chopping onions to a perfect dice.
Choosing a Food Chopper for Onions
When selecting a food chopper to use for dicing onions, look for the following features:
- Sharp stainless steel blades – Sharp, durable stainless steel blades are best able to slice through onion cleanly.
- Covered design – A lid or cover contains the onion vapor for less irritation.
- Large capacity – A 3-4 cup capacity accommodates most onion sizes.
- Dishwasher safe – Models with removable, dishwasher safe parts are easiest to clean.
- Non-slip base – A non-slip base holds the chopper steady while in use.
Prices for food choppers vary widely, but good quality models can be found between $15-$50. Top rated food chopper brands include OXO, Ninja, Hamilton Beach, Cuisinart, and KitchenAid.
How to Dice an Onion with a Food Chopper
Follow these simple steps to quickly and evenly dice an onion using a food chopper:
- Peel the onion skin off the onion bulb. Rinse if desired.
- Trim the stem end off and cut in half root to tip. Lay each half flat side down.
- Make several vertical slices in each onion half from the top down to the root end, leaving the root end intact.
- Make several horizontal slices across each half, again leaving the root end intact.
- Separate the onion into pieces and place them in the bowl of the food chopper.
- Place the lid on the food chopper bowl and pulse 3-5 times until the onion is chopped to the desired diced size.
- Remove the lid and empty the diced onion into a bowl. Rinse and wipe down the chopper.
Chop for less time for a larger dice or longer for finer pieces. Check frequently to avoid over-chopping.
Tips for Dicing Onions in a Food Chopper
Follow these tips for best results when using a food chopper for onions:
- Make sure onion pieces are cut to fit in the chopper bowl opening.
- Cut the onion in half from root to stem end so it lays flat for chopping.
- Leave the root end intact while slicing to hold the onion together.
- Work in batches if needed to avoid overfilling the chopper bowl.
- Pulse in short bursts to control chopping.
- Empty bowl between batches to prevent onion juices building up.
- Wipe down the lid between batches to keep clear of onion residue.
- Chop other aromatics like garlic and herbs together with the onions.
Cleaning Your Food Chopper
Keep your food chopper in top dicing form with proper cleaning:
- Remove any loose onion pieces from the bowl, lid and blades.
- Wash the lid, bowl, and chopping blades in hot soapy water. Use a bottle brush to scrub inside the bowl and around the blades.
- Rinse all parts thoroughly after washing.
- Allow parts to air dry or towel dry before storing.
- Store the chopper with the lid secured on the bowl.
- Occasionally disinfect the chopper by running it with a dilute bleach solution.
- Avoid immersing any part with motorized pieces in water.
Check the instruction manual for any specific care instructions. Most food chopper parts are top-rack dishwasher safe which makes cleaning easy.
Storing Onions Safely After Dicing
Use these methods to store onions safely after chopping and prevent contamination:
- Refrigerate – Store diced onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days max.
- Freeze – For longer storage, spread diced onions on a sheet pan and freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container.
- Acidify – Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to diced onions to increase acidity and slow spoilage.
- Keep separate – Store cut onions away from ready to eat foods to prevent cross contamination.
Onions can grow harmful bacteria once cut open, so refrigerate them properly and watch for signs of spoilage before eating.
How to Select Onions for Dicing
Choosing the right type of onion results in better quality diced onions:
- Yellow – The most popular onion for everyday use with a mellow flavor.
- White – Sweet onions ideal for raw applications like salsas and salads.
- Red – Red onions add color and a bold, spicy kick of flavor.
- Sweet – Vidalia, Walla Walla, and Maui onions have a very sweet, mild taste.
- Fresh – Select dry, firm onions without sprouts or mold.
- Right size – Choose medium onions that fit comfortably in your chopper.
The variety and freshness of the onion can make a big difference in the final diced onion quality. Test out different onion types to see which gives you the best results.
What Dishes Can I Use Diced Onions In?
The versatility of onions makes diced onions useful for all types of savory dishes:
- Sautéed as an aromatic base forcooking
- Added to salads, salsas, and relishes
- Toppings for burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches
- Mixed into eggs, pizza, pasta, and casseroles
- Soups, chilis, stews, and broths
- Tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, and enchiladas
- Roasts, grilled meats, and meatloaf
- Gravies, sauces, marinades, and dressings
Here are estimated amounts of diced onion to use for common recipes:
| Dish | Diced Onion Amount |
|---|---|
| Soup (6 servings) | 1/2 to 1 medium onion |
| Chili (6 servings) | 1 medium onion |
| Meatloaf | 1/4 to 1/2 onion |
| Salad (4 servings) | 1/4 onion |
| Guacamole | 2 tablespoons onion |
| Salsa | 1/4 onion |
| Burger topping | 1-2 tablespoons onion |
Adjust amounts to taste preferences and feel free to use more diced onion in dishes you want to pack an oniony punch.
Onion Chopping Safety Tips
Practice these safety measures when using a food chopper for onions:
- Handle chopper blades carefully as they are very sharp.
- Keep fingers away from the chopping area.
- Make sure the chopper is on a secure, level surface before using.
- Always use the chopper lid during operation.
- Unplug chopper before removing any pieces or cleaning.
- Check for any damaged parts before use.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for safe operation.
Take care when handling, cleaning, and storing your food chopper to prevent any safety issues or injuries.
Troubleshooting Food Chopper Issues
Some common food chopper troubles and how to resolve them:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Onion pieces uneven | Cut onion more uniformly before chopping |
| Onion sticking to blades | Spray bowl with nonstick spray before use |
| Onion leaking out | Don’t overfill bowl |
| Blades not chopping | Replace dull blades |
| Chopper slipping | Make sure base is clean and level |
| Food trapped under blade | Remove blade and clean thoroughly |
Check your food chopper manual for more specific troubleshooting tips. Avoid forcing the chopper if the blades become jammed and unplug before removing trapped food debris.
Conclusion
A food chopper makes quick work of dicing onions into perfect uniform pieces. Follow these simple steps for using a food chopper to dice onions:
- Trim, peel and slice the onion into pieces
- Load the onion sections in the chopper bowl
- Secure the lid and pulse to desired dice
- Remove onions and clean the chopper
- Store onions properly for safety
With the right chopper and technique, you can simplify onion prep and save time in the kitchen. Diced onions are a tasty addition to all kinds of savory dishes. A food chopper makes it easy to get perfect results and avoid onion tears. Give it a try for your next recipe calling for diced onions!