Could it put flavour into macaroni, once? (5)

I believe the answer is:

onion

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'could it put flavour' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'into macaroni once?' is the wordplay.
'into' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'ONION' is hidden in the letters of 'macaroni once'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for onion that I've seen before include "Bulbous vegetable" , "Aromatic flavourful versatile vegetable" , "associated with 26 [TRIPE] ?" , "Type of allium" , "Edible tear-jerker" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.