How to caramelize onions recipe

Caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness and depth to a wide array of dishes, from burgers, soups and savory dips. This simple yet versatile technique transforms ordinary onions into a rich and flavorful delight. Whether you’re preparing a lavish meal for guests or enhancing your everyday cooking, this caramelized onions recipe from FrugalFlavor will elevate your dishes to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Caramelized onions recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• 4 large Yellow onion (or 6 medium-sized onions), thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp Olive oil extra virgin
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 tsp Granulated sugar (optional, for quicker caramelization)
• ½ tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Seasonings (optional)

• 1 tsp Thyme
• 1 tsp Rosemary
• 1 tsp Chili flake

Instructions:

1. Slice the Onions: Peel the onions and cut off the ends. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even and consistent slices.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. The combination of butter and oil prevents the butter from burning and allows the onions to cook evenly.
3. Add the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the pan and toss them to coat them with the butter and oil mixture. Spread the onions evenly across the pan.
4. Cook Slowly: This is the key step to achieve caramelized perfection. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the onions cook slowly for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cooking them covered helps soften the onions and retain moisture.
5. Add seasonings (optional) If you want to spice up the complexity of your caramelized onions, add seasonings now, like thyme, rosemary or chili flake or a mixture
6. Add Sugar (Optional): If you want to speed up the caramelization process, sprinkle the sugar over the onions after the initial 15-20 minutes of cooking. The sugar aids in browning the onions more quickly.
7. Continue Cooking: Uncover the pan and continue cooking the onions over low heat for another 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even caramelization. The onions should turn a deep golden brown color and have a sweet aroma.
8. Season the Onions: Sprinkle the caramelized onions with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
9. Cool and Store: Once the onions are caramelized to your liking, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly. Store any unused caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’re great for adding to sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, and more!

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Tips:

• For even caramelization, make sure the onions are sliced thinly and uniformly.
• If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of brown sugar during the last few minutes of cooking.
• To save time, you can prepare a larger batch of caramelized onions and freeze them in smaller portions for later use.

Conclusion

Caramelized onions are a delightful and cost-effective way to elevate the flavor of various dishes. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can achieve a rich, sweet, and savory addition to your meals. Embrace the wonderful world of caramelized onions and let them enhance your culinary creations with FrugalFlavor’s easy and delicious recipe. Enjoy!