Oven-Baked Walla Walla Sweets: A Delightful Vegetable Dish
When I lived in Washington, the arrival of Walla Walla sweets was a seasonal highlight that filled our kitchen with tantalizing aromas and brought a sweet, savory essence to our dining table. These onions, known for their exceptional sweetness and mild flavor, transform into a deliciously simple dish that can serve as both an appetizer and a side dish, making them a versatile addition to any meal. The recipe is not only easy to prepare but also wallet-friendly, making it accessible for anyone looking to create something special without breaking the bank.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Prep Time | 3 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 3 minutes |
| Description | Delicious oven-baked Walla Walla onions, perfect as an appetizer or side dish. |
| Recipe Category | Vegetable |
| Keywords | Low Protein, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Beef bouillon cube | 1 |
| Walla Walla onion | 1 large |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 156.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 11.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 30.9 mg |
| Sodium | 696.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugars | 5.3 g |
| Protein | 1.7 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure even cooking and to create that delightful roasted flavor that enhances the sweetness of the onion.
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Prepare the Onion: Peel away the outer dry skin of the Walla Walla onion, taking care to keep the onion intact. After peeling, wash the onion thoroughly under cold water to remove any residual dirt and to ensure a clean finish to your dish.
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Create the Filling: Carefully cut a hole in the top of the onion, large enough to accommodate a beef bouillon cube and a generous pat of butter. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the onion bakes.
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Stuff the Onion: Fill the hole with the butter, followed by the beef bouillon cube. If you prefer, you can also use bouillon crystals, which will dissolve and impart their rich flavor into the onion as it bakes.
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Wrap for Baking: Place the stuffed onion on a sheet of aluminum foil. Wrap the foil around the onion, creating a slight “vent” at the top. This vent allows steam to escape, which helps in achieving a tender, roasted onion without making it too soggy.
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Bake to Perfection: Transfer the wrapped onion to the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. During this time, the heat will coax out the natural sugars of the onion, making it tender and packed with flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Once your oven-baked Walla Walla sweets are ready, unwrap them carefully from the foil (watch out for hot steam), and serve them warm. They can be enjoyed on their own, or you might pair them with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an added layer of flavor. These sweet onions also make an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats or roasted vegetables, adding a touch of sweetness that balances savory dishes beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for oven-baked Walla Walla sweets is a perfect way to celebrate the bounty of seasonal vegetables while providing a simple yet delicious addition to your meals. Whether you’re looking for a delightful appetizer to impress guests or a comforting side dish for family dinners, this recipe will surely be a hit. Enjoy the flavors and the joy of cooking with these wonderful onions!
