Roasted Caramelized Balsamic Onions
Description
Prepare to be captivated by the intoxicating aroma of these roasted caramelized balsamic onions as they cook to a golden, flavorful perfection. With a touch of Spanish inspiration, these onions make a perfect accompaniment to a hearty casserole, stew, or a veggie-packed omelet. This side dish, with its deep balsamic flavor and savory thyme notes, is sure to impress at any meal.
Quick Facts
| Cook Time | Prep Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 5 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Spanish onions |
| 1/4 cup | unsalted butter |
| 1/3 cup | balsamic vinegar |
| 1/4 tsp | dried thyme |
| 1/4 tsp | salt |
| 1/4 tsp | ground black pepper |
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150.7 | 11.6 g | 7.3 g | 30.5 mg | 154.8 mg | 10.7 g | 1.3 g | 6.4 g | 1.1 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Preparing the onions in a hot oven helps them caramelize, creating that irresistible aroma and golden finish. -
-
Prepare the Onions
Begin by cutting each onion in half horizontally, slicing through the “equator” of the onion to create two equal halves. Peel away the skin and any tough outer layers that may not soften in the oven. -
Maintain the Shape
Be careful not to cut off the root and stem ends, as leaving these intact will help hold each onion half together during roasting. Avoid scoring the outer layers, as this helps keep each half secure while cooking. -
Arrange in the Baking Pan
Place the onion halves cut-side down in a 9-inch square baking pan, giving each piece enough space to roast evenly. -
Prepare the Balsamic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine the flavors. -
Coat the Onions
Pour the balsamic butter mixture over the onions, ensuring each half is well-coated. This mixture will create a beautiful glaze as it bakes. -
Initial Bake
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake the onions for 20 minutes. The high heat will start the caramelization process, softening the onions and drawing out their natural sweetness. -
Turn and Baste
Carefully remove the baking pan from the oven, turning each onion half over so the cut side faces up. Spoon the pan juices over each piece, coating them thoroughly. -
Finish Roasting
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. Continue baking until a paring knife slides easily into the onion’s center, and the inner rings of the onion have begun to swell and rise, indicating tenderness and full caramelization. -
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the roasted onions immediately for the most flavorful experience. They are also delicious at room temperature, perfect for adding to salads or as a warm garnish for other dishes.
Tips for Serving
These caramelized onions can be served with a variety of dishes, from rich casseroles to delicate omelets. You could also pair them with roasted meats or as a unique topping for a gourmet sandwich.
