Creamy Pearl Onions with a Touch of Parsley
Indulge in the delightful flavor of Pearl Onions in Cream Sauce, a rich and comforting dish that elevates the humble onion to new heights. This recipe features tender pearl onions enveloped in a luscious cream sauce, enhanced with a hint of dry white wine and a dash of Tabasco for a subtle kick. The brightness of freshly chopped parsley adds color and freshness, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether served alongside a roast or as part of a festive meal, this creamy delight is sure to impress. Feel free to experiment by incorporating whipping cream for an even richer texture. Enjoy this family favorite that’s both easy to prepare and irresistible to eat!
N/A
Servings
67
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
white pearl onions
10 ounces (skinned and trimmed)
butter
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
milk
1 1/2 cups (heated until very hot (optionally, part milk and whipping cream))
dry white wine
2 tablespoons (or fresh stock)
Tabasco sauce
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
freshly ground nutmeg
1 dash (to taste)
salt
to taste
white pepper
to taste
fresh parsley
for garnish (chopped)
fresh green peas
3/4 cup (or frozen peas, defrosted (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the pearl onions in a large heat-proof bowl and pour boiling water over them. Allow them to stand for 10 minutes. This will help loosen their papery skins.
2
After 10 minutes, drain the onions and carefully trim the very ends off each pearl onion. Gently slip off the skins, discarding them. If desired, cut the pearl onions in half for easier serving.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually add the flour, stirring constantly with a wire whisk until the mixture is smooth, creating a roux.
4
Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the heated milk (or milk and whipping cream mixture). Continue stirring to break up any lumps that may form.
5
Add the dry white wine (or stock), Tabasco sauce, freshly grated nutmeg, white pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
6
Fold in the cooked pearl onions gently, ensuring they are well coated in the creamy sauce.
7
If you're adding green peas, incorporate them now and mix gently to blend.
8
Before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
4.2g
Fat
5.8g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Pearl Onions?
Creamy Pearl Onions is a rich and comforting side dish featuring tender pearl onions in a luscious cream sauce enhanced with white wine and a hint of Tabasco.
How do I easily peel pearl onions?
Place them in a large heat-proof bowl and pour boiling water over them for 10 minutes to loosen the skins, then trim the ends and slip the skins off.
How long should the onions soak in boiling water?
The pearl onions should stand in boiling water for 10 minutes.
Can I use frozen pearl onions?
The recipe calls for fresh pearl onions, but you can use frozen, pre-peeled onions as a convenient alternative.
What is the base of the cream sauce?
The sauce starts with a roux made of melted butter and all-purpose flour.
Should the milk be heated before adding it to the sauce?
Yes, the milk should be heated until very hot before being slowly whisked into the roux.
Can I make the sauce richer?
Yes, you can substitute part of the milk with whipping cream for an even richer texture.
What can I use instead of dry white wine?
You can use an equal amount of fresh stock if you prefer not to use wine.
How much Tabasco sauce should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon, or you can add it to taste for a subtle kick.
What spices are used to season the dish?
The dish is seasoned with freshly ground nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can optionally fold in 3/4 cup of fresh or defrosted frozen green peas.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe specifies using all-purpose flour.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 67 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 4.2g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains 5.8g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 1.7g of protein.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Gradually add the hot milk to the flour-butter mixture while whisking constantly with a wire whisk.
Can I cut the pearl onions?
Yes, after peeling, you can cut the pearl onions in half for easier serving if desired.
What is used for the garnish?
Freshly chopped parsley is used to add color and freshness before serving.
Why is white pepper used instead of black pepper?
White pepper is typically used in cream sauces to provide flavor without leaving black specks in the white sauce.
What is the preparation for the green peas?
If using frozen peas, ensure they are defrosted before folding them into the sauce.
What type of cuisine is this dish?
This dish is categorized under French cuisine.
How many ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 11 ingredients total, including optional items.
What size saucepan should I use?
A medium saucepan is recommended for melting the butter and preparing the sauce.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is considered an easy recipe that is perfect for both everyday meals and festive occasions.
How many ounces of onions do I need?
You will need 10 ounces of white pearl onions.
When should the pearl onions be added to the sauce?
The cooked pearl onions should be gently folded in after the sauce has been seasoned and combined.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley.