Can I use garlic instead of onion?
Not quite — garlic brings sharper flavor, while onion offers mellow sweetness and balance.
Do I have to remove the clouté before serving?
Yes — cloves are potent and hard, so always pull out the onion before serving.
Can I reuse the clouté onion?
Not recommended — most of the flavor will already be released after one use.
What if I don’t have cloves?
Try allspice or nutmeg for a similar earthy warmth.
🎉 Final Thoughts
My grandmother never wrote down her recipes — but she taught me through smell, taste, and tiny tricks like this one.
Sticking cloves into an onion might seem like a small step — but in the world of cooking, small steps make big differences .
This French clouté onion technique proves that sometimes, the simplest methods deliver the most unforgettable flavors.
So next time you’re simmering a soup or stew, grab an onion and a few cloves — and unlock a layer of flavor you never knew you were missing.
