Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pearl onions, peeled
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Tongs
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the peeled pearl onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they start to brown.
3. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and stir to coat.
4. Add the balsamic vinegar and stir to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the onions cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing, low heat for caramelizing
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 160
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 90mg
Sugar: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar.
- Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used instead of balsamic vinegar.
- Thyme can be substituted with rosemary or parsley.
Variations:
- Add chopped garlic or shallots for extra flavor.
- Add a splash of red wine for a richer taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- To make peeling the pearl onions easier, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to cool before peeling.
- Use tongs to turn the onions so they cook evenly.
- Don't rush the caramelization process, it takes time to get the onions nice and brown.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover caramelized pearl onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the onions in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the caramelized pearl onions in a small bowl or on a platter as a side dish.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley.
Pairings:
Caramelized pearl onions pair well with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the onions are sticking to the pan, add a splash of water to loosen them up.
- If the onions are not caramelizing, turn up the heat slightly and stir less frequently.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food. Cook onions to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
Pearl onions are a type of small onion that originated in Europe. They are often used in stews, soups, and casseroles.
Flavor profiles:
Caramelized pearl onions have a sweet and tangy flavor with a soft and tender texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve caramelized pearl onions as a side dish with your favorite main course.
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Taste: Sweet, Savory, Tangy, Caramelized, Oniony