Classic French pot-au-feu
Chicken noodle soup
Coq au vin
Holiday ham glazes
Tomato sauces and braised dishes
It’s ideal for any slow-cooked dish where subtle spice integration matters.
🍽 How to Make a Clouté Onion Like a Pro
You’ll Need:
1 whole onion (white or yellow works best)
2–4 whole cloves
Toothpick or skewer (for poking holes)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Peel the onion carefully, keeping it intact.
Poke small holes into the onion using a toothpick or knife tip.
Insert the cloves into each hole — 2 to 4 cloves per onion is perfect.
Add to your pot while cooking — let it simmer away quietly.
Remove before serving (unless you’re making a rustic dish where presentation isn’t important).
🧑🍳 Tips for Using Cloves & Onions Together
Use whole cloves — ground cloves can easily overpower a dish.
Don’t skip the onion — it tempers the intensity of the cloves.
Remove the clouté before serving — no one wants to bite into a clove!
For a modern twist, try adding a bay leaf or cinnamon stick to the pot too.
🧠 Bonus Uses Beyond Soup
Add to rice pilaf for a spiced base
Infuse holiday mulled wine or cider
Use in pickling brine for extra warmth
Pair with oranges for homemade potpourri
This technique goes far beyond soup — it’s a versatile flavor hack for many recipes and even DIY projects.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
