**Caramelized Onions: A Sweet and Savory Culinary Delight**
Caramelized onions are a versatile culinary creation that can elevate the flavors of various dishes. Their distinct sweet and savory taste profile makes them a popular ingredient in both savory and sweet preparations. This article presents a collection of caramelized onion recipes, each showcasing the unique culinary artistry of Ina Garten, the renowned chef and author of the Barefoot Contessa cookbook series.
From the classic French Onion Soup to the elegant Caramelized Onion Tart, these recipes highlight the diverse applications of caramelized onions. Whether as a topping for burgers and pizzas, a filling for sandwiches and wraps, or a simple yet sophisticated side dish, caramelized onions add a touch of sophistication and depth to any meal.
With step-by-step instructions and insightful tips, these recipes guide you through the process of creating perfectly caramelized onions, ensuring a rich and flavorful result every time. Discover the culinary magic of caramelized onions and embark on a taste journey that will leave you craving for more.
SMASHED HAMBURGERS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS
Steps:
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large (12-inch) sauté pan over medium heat, add the onions, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and starting to brown. Add the sugar, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are browned and caramelized. Add the vinegar and cook for 30 seconds to deglaze the pan.
- Meanwhile, combine the dry mustard, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Place the ground beef in a medium bowl and sprinkle on the mustard mixture. With your fingers, lightly work the mustard into the beef and shape into four 1-inch-thick patties. Place them on a plate and freeze for exactly 15 minutes.
- Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 1/2 tablespoons oil. From the freezer, place the burgers directly in the hot skillet. With a large metal spatula, firmly press each burger into the pan. Cook the burgers for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, without moving them, so the bottoms get browned and crusty. Flip the burgers, then spoon on the onions and sprinkle the Gruyère on top. Place a lid on the skillet and cook the burgers for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burgers are medium-rare inside. Place one burger on each roll and serve hot with ketchup on the side.
CARAMELIZED BACON
Provided by Ina Garten
Time 45m
Yield 15 to 20 hors d'oeuvres
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil (for easy cleaning) and place a wire baking rack on top.
- Combine the brown sugar and pecans in a food processor and process until the pecans are finely ground. Add the salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper and pulse to combine. Add the maple syrup and pulse again to moisten the crumbs.
- Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise and line up the pieces on the baking rack without touching. With a small spoon, evenly spread the pecan mixture on top of each piece of bacon, using all of the mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is very browned but not burnt. If its underbaked, the bacon won't crisp as it cools.
- While its hot, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside to cool. Serve at room temperature.
BALSAMIC ONIONS
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Cut the onions in half and slice 1/4 inch thick. Place on a baking sheet and toss with 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the onions are tender. Remove from the oven, toss with 2 more tablespoons balsamic vinegar.
HERB-ROASTED ONIONS
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Remove the stem end of each onion and carefully slice off the brown part of the root end, leaving the root intact. Peel the onion. Stand each onion root end up on a cutting board and cut the onion in wedges through the root. Place the wedges in a bowl.
- For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, mustard, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. Pour the dressing over the onions and toss well.
- With a slotted spoon, transfer the onions to a sheet pan, reserving the vinaigrette that remains in the bowl. Bake the onions for 30 to 45 minutes, until tender and browned. Toss the onions once during cooking. Remove from the oven, and drizzle with the reserved dressing. Sprinkle with parsley, season to taste and serve warm or at room temperature.
PAN-FRIED ONION DIP
Steps:
- Cut the onions in half and then slice them into 1/8-inch thick half-rounds. (You will have about 3 cups of onions.) Heat the butter and oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onions, cayenne, salt, and pepper and saute for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 more minutes until the onions are browned and caramelized. Allow the onions to cool.
- Place the cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until smooth. Add the onions and mix well. Taste for seasonings. Serve at room temperature.
CARAMELIZED ONIONS (INA GARTEN BAREFOOT CONTESSA)
I've made this recipe twice and enjoyed them both times. The thyme gives the onions a special flavor. I have not tried it with fresh thyme yet, only dried. I used Vidalia onions when they were in season and sliced them very thin using a mandolin. Ina recommends using a good quality olive oil, of course.
Provided by Marie Nixon
Categories Onions
Time 47m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large shallow pot, add onions and thyme and toss with the oil.
- Place the lid on top and cook over medium low heat for about 10 minutes to sweat the onions. Remove the lid and continue to cook over medium low heat, stirring occasionally for 25 to 30 minutes, until t he onions are caramlized and golden brown. This could take much longer than 30 minutes, if your stove top is on a very low setting. If the onions are cooking too fast, lower the heat. Don't rush the process. It is worth the wait.
- Add the sherry wine vinegar, salt and pepper and cook for 2 more minutes, scraping the brown bits from the pan. Season to taste. They should be highly seasoned.
FRENCH ONION SOUP
Provided by Ina Garten
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large stockpot on medium-high heat, saute the onions with the butter and bay leaf for 20 minutes, until the onions turn a rich golden brown color. Deglaze the pan with the sherry and brandy and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Add the white wine and simmer uncovered for 15 more minutes.
- Add the beef and veal stocks plus salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, taste for salt and pepper, and serve hot with grated Parmesan.
BAREFOOT CONTESSA'S CARAMELIZED ONIONS
Make and share this Barefoot Contessa's Caramelized Onions recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Juenessa
Categories Low Protein
Time 40m
Yield 1 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cut the onions in half and then slice them into 1/8-inch thick half-rounds. (You will have about 3 cups of onions.)
- Heat the butter and oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
- Add the onions, cayenne, salt, and pepper and saute for 10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 more minutes until the onions are browned and caramelized.
Tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or pan: This will help to evenly distribute the heat and prevent the onions from burning.
- Slice the onions thinly: This will help them to caramelize more quickly and evenly.
- Use a combination of butter and oil: This will help to prevent the onions from sticking to the pan and will also add flavor.
- Cook the onions over low heat: This is essential for caramelizing the onions slowly and evenly. Be patient, it can take up to 1 hour to caramelize the onions.
- Stir the onions occasionally: This will help to prevent them from sticking to the pan and will also help them to caramelize evenly.
- Season the onions with salt and pepper: This will help to bring out their flavor.
- Add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar: This will help to deglaze the pan and add a bit of acidity to the onions.
- Use caramelized onions in a variety of dishes: They can be used as a topping for burgers or hot dogs, added to sandwiches or wraps, or used as a side dish.
Conclusion:
Caramelized onions are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are easy to make at home, but they do take some time and patience. By following the tips above, you can make perfect caramelized onions that will add flavor and depth to your favorite dishes.
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