Caramelized Balsamic Pearl Onions
These luscious caramelized pearl onions, coated in a rich balsamic glaze, are a perfect side dish that add a touch of elegance to any meal. Their sweet and tangy flavor profile complements a variety of dishes, making them an outstanding addition to roasted meats, salads, or even as a topping for bruschetta. While peeling these little gems can be a labor of love, the rewarding taste and beautiful presentation make this dish well worth the effort. Treat yourself or impress your guests with this delightful side that's sure to become a favorite!
4
Servings
62.5
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
White Pearl Onions
1 1/2 lbs (about 4 cups, peeled)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 cup (high-quality)
Water
1/4 cup
Sugar
to taste (for balancing the glaze)
Salt
1 pinch
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the pearl onions and blanch for 3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2
Once cooled, carefully peel each onion. A paring knife can help with stubborn skins.
3
In a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the peeled pearl onions and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until they are lightly browned.
4
Stir in the balsamic vinegar, water, sugar (to taste), and a pinch of salt. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
5
Continue to cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked onions to a serving dish and keep warm.
7
Increase the heat and bring the remaining liquid to a boil. Reduce it until it reaches a thick, syrupy glaze, which should take about 5 minutes.
8
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the warm onions before serving.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
9.5g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in Caramelized Balsamic Pearl Onions?
The main ingredient is 1 1/2 lbs of White Pearl Onions, which is about 4 cups once peeled.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for a serving of these onions?
Each serving contains approximately 62.5 calories.
How long should you blanch the pearl onions?
You should blanch the pearl onions in boiling water for 3 minutes before draining and cooling.
What is the easiest way to peel pearl onions?
After blanching for 3 minutes and cooling in cold water, the skins should be easier to remove. You can use a paring knife for stubborn skins.
How much balsamic vinegar is required for the glaze?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of high-quality balsamic vinegar.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the onions?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How long do the onions need to sauté before adding the liquid?
The onions should be sautéed for approximately 5 minutes or until they are lightly browned.
What are the ingredients in the simmering liquid?
The simmering liquid consists of balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of water, sugar to taste, and a pinch of salt.
How long should the onions simmer in the balsamic mixture?
The onions should simmer for about 15 minutes until they are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
How is the balsamic glaze thickened at the end?
After removing the onions, increase the heat and boil the remaining liquid for about 5 minutes until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 2.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this side dish?
There are 9.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the dish?
The recipe provides 0.75g of protein per serving.
What are some suggested pairings for Caramelized Balsamic Pearl Onions?
These onions pair well with roasted meats, salads, or as a topping for bruschetta.
Is sugar necessary in this recipe?
Sugar is used 'to taste' to help balance the acidity of the balsamic glaze.
What temperature should be used for sautéing?
A heavy skillet over medium-high heat is recommended for sautéing the onions.
What flavor profile can I expect?
The dish offers a sweet and tangy flavor profile with a rich balsamic glaze.
Do I need to keep the onions warm while reducing the glaze?
Yes, you should transfer the onions to a serving dish and keep them warm while you finish the glaze.
What is the purpose of rinsing the onions with cold water after blanching?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and cools the onions so they can be handled for peeling.
How much water is added for the simmering process?
1/4 cup of water is added along with the vinegar.
Can I use regular onions instead of pearl onions?
While the recipe specifically uses pearl onions for their size and elegance, pearl onions are the intended ingredient for this specific presentation.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, one pinch of salt is added to the balsamic mixture.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 6 total ingredients: white pearl onions, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients provided, there is no cholesterol listed in the nutritional data.
What tools are needed for this recipe?
You will need a large saucepan for blanching, a heavy skillet for sautéing, a paring knife for peeling, and a slotted spoon.
How do you apply the final glaze?
The reduced syrupy balsamic glaze should be drizzled over the warm onions just before serving.
Is this dish considered a main course?
No, it is categorized as a side dish under the 'Onions' category.
What makes this dish look 'elegant'?
The small size of the pearl onions combined with the dark, glossy balsamic reduction creates an elegant presentation.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, the description notes it is a perfect side dish to impress guests despite the effort required to peel the onions.