Bulb in the kitchen NYT crossword clue

The answer to the New York Times The Mini crossword clue “Bulb in the kitchen” is ONION. This clue cleverly plays on the dual meaning of the word “bulb.” While “bulb” often brings to mind a lightbulb, it’s also a botanical term for an underground storage organ found in plants—such as an onion.

In the kitchen context, “bulb” refers to this edible root vegetable, which is a staple ingredient in countless recipes. The clue’s subtle misdirection encourages solvers to think beyond household hardware and into the pantry, where the onion sits as one of the most commonly used culinary bulbs.