My Grandmother Always Sticks Cloves in the Onion – Here’s Why This French Technique Changes Everything (Page 2 ) | August 15, 2025

In classic French cuisine, clouté (pronounced kloo-tay) refers to a method where whole cloves are inserted into a peeled onion , often used to infuse soups, stocks, and stews with a warm, aromatic depth that’s hard to replicate any other way.

The word clou means “nail” in French — and clouté literally translates to “nailed,” referring to how the cloves are “nailed” into the onion.

It may sound quaint, but the results are anything but.

🌟 The Flavor Science Behind It

Cloves are one of the most powerful spices in the pantry , known for their intense aroma and warming flavor.

When you stitch them into a whole onion , something special happens:

• The heat releases the clove’s essential oils — sweet, spicy, and slightly floral.
• The onion acts as a delivery system, slowly dispersing those flavors throughout the dish.
• Together, they create a deep, rounded background note that enhances meat, vegetables, and broth without overpowering the other ingredients.

It’s the kind of layered flavor that separates amateur cooks from seasoned pros.

🥣 Where to Use This Technique

You’ll find the clouté method especially useful in:

• Beef bourguignon
• 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:

1. Peel the onion carefully, keeping it intact.
2. Poke small holes into the onion using a toothpick or knife tip.
3. Insert the cloves into each hole — 2 to 4 cloves per onion is perfect.
4. Add to your pot while cooking — let it simmer away quietly.
5. 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

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.

Next: Delicious Pork Chops with Lemon Parsley Sauce and Roasted Potatoes

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