Why My Grandmother Always Pokes Cloves into an Onion—And Why You Should Too

Why My Grandmother Always Pokes Cloves into an Onion—And Why You Should Too | May 17, 2025

Some kitchen traditions might seem unusual at first glance—until you discover the magic behind them. When I first saw my grandmother pressing cloves into an onion before adding it to a simmering pot, I thought it was just an old-fashioned quirk. But after one bite of her dishes, I realized this simple trick was her secret to incredible flavor.

The Magic of a Clove-Studded Onion

Cloves are often reserved for spiced drinks like mulled wine or chai, but their culinary power goes much further. These tiny, fragrant buds are natural flavor boosters, adding warmth and depth to slow-cooked meals without overwhelming them.