This is why grandma always puts cloves in an onion

 

It sounds like you're referring to an old kitchen trick! Grandmothers often stick cloves into an onion for several reasons:

1. Flavor Enhancer in Cooking

• Used in soups, stews, and broths, the combination of onion and cloves adds depth and warmth without overpowering other flavors.
• Common in traditional French cuisine, like bouillon or stock, where the clove-studded onion infuses a subtle spiced aroma.

2. Natural Cold & Flu Remedy

• Both cloves and onions have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• A clove-studded onion in hot water or tea is a classic home remedy for colds and coughs.

3. Repelling Insects & Odors

• The strong scent can keep flies and mosquitoes away when placed in a room.
• It’s also used in some cultures to neutralize bad odors in kitchens.

4. Studying Cloves into an Onion for Béchamel Sauce

• A "cloute" (onion piqué) is a classic French technique where a bay leaf and cloves are inserted into an onion and simmered in milk for a rich béchamel sauce.

Would you like a specific recipe using this technique?