Sweet and Sour Onions with Craisins is a delightful recipe that harmoniously blends the savory sweetness of onions with the tartness of cranberries, creating a dish that is both comforting and intriguing on the palate. Perfect for those new to the world of cranberries or seasoned veterans looking for a twist on classic onion dishes, this recipe promises a burst of flavors in every bite.
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Sweet and Sour Onions with Craisins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: Not specified
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this dish:
- 2 small onions
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cloves
- 6 tsp sugar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 5-7 tbsp craisins (dried cranberries)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vinegar (type not specified)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 236
- Fat: 10.8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.4g
- Cholesterol: 15.2mg
- Sodium: 183.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 32.7g
- Fiber: 4.3g
- Sugar: 19.2g
- Protein: 3.5g
Instructions:
-
Blanching the Onions:
- Drop the onions into boiling water and blanch for 2 minutes.
- Drain and remove the outer skin when cool enough to handle, leaving the tips untrimmed to help hold the onions together later.
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Preparing the Sauce:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add bay leaf and cloves to infuse the fats.
- When the butter mixture is foaming, add the blanched onions, stirring to coat, and sauté for a few minutes until lightly browned.
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Creating the Sweet and Sour Glaze:
- Pour in vinegar and cook over moderate to high heat for 5 minutes until reduced and sticky, being careful not to scorch the mixture.
- Stir in sugar and 5 fl oz (approximately 150ml) of chicken broth, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and the sauce is thickened. Add more broth if the pan becomes too dry during cooking.
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Final Touches:
- Just before serving, stir in chopped parsley and craisins, simmering for another minute to allow flavors to meld.
- Season with additional pepper if desired, and serve warm.
Cooking Tips:
- Onion Selection: Choose small onions for this recipe as they are easier to handle and cook more evenly.
- Craisins: If you prefer a more pronounced cranberry flavor, you can soak the craisins in warm water or orange juice beforehand to plump them up.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled poultry, or even as a side dish for a festive holiday meal.
Flavor Profile:
The combination of caramelized onions with the sweet-tartness of craisins, balanced by the savory notes of butter and chicken broth, creates a complex flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. The addition of spices like bay leaf and cloves adds depth, making each bite a delightful journey of tastes and textures.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re looking for a unique side dish to accompany your weeknight dinner or a standout addition to your holiday table, Sweet and Sour Onions with Craisins is sure to impress. With its simple preparation and complex flavors, this recipe showcases how a few quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Enjoy experimenting with this dish and making it a staple in your culinary repertoire!
