Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it starts to turn brown and smell nutty, about 5-7 minutes. This is called beurre noisette.
2. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and stir to coat them in the browned butter.
3. Reduce the heat to low and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes or until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized.
4. If desired, add the brown sugar to the skillet and stir until it has dissolved and the onions are coated in a caramelized glaze.
5. Season the onions with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40-50 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for melting the butter, low heat for caramelizing the onions.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people as a side dish.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 130
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 70mg
Sugar: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of onion for this recipe, but sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla work particularly well.
- If you don't have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but adjust the amount of salt you add to the onions accordingly.
- Brown sugar is optional and can be omitted if you prefer less sweetness.
Variations:
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine to the skillet when you add the onions for a tangy flavor.
- Sprinkle some fresh thyme or rosemary over the onions while they cook for an herbaceous twist.
- Top the caramelized onions with crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese for a decadent side dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Be patient when caramelizing the onions - it takes time to get them soft and golden brown.
- Don't stir the onions too often or they won't caramelize properly.
- If the onions start to stick to the skillet, add a splash of water or broth to loosen them up.
Storage instructions:
Leftover caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the onions, simply microwave them for 30-60 seconds or heat them up in a skillet over low heat.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the caramelized onions in a small bowl or ramekin as a side dish.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives over the onions for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Beurre noisette caramelized onions pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the onions alongside a green salad or a crusty baguette for a light meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the onions are burning or sticking to the skillet, reduce the heat and add a splash of water or broth to the skillet.
- If the onions are not caramelizing, make sure the heat is low enough and give them more time to cook.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the onions thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
Caramelized onions have been a staple in French cuisine for centuries, and are often used as a topping for tarts, quiches, and pizzas.
Flavor profiles:
Beurre noisette caramelized onions are sweet, savory, and nutty all at once, with a rich umami flavor from the browned butter.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the onions as a side dish with your favorite main course, or use them as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or pizzas.
Related Categories
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Region: French
Taste: Buttery, Sweet, Savory, Caramelized, Nutty