How to make caramelised onions like a Pro

Caramelised onions with balsamic vinegar

How to make caramelised onions like a Pro

Razena Schroeder
Caramelised onions are a versatile condiment or addition to savory dishes and add a deep flavour and subtle sweetness. It is easy to make although it requires time and patience for the best result.
5 from 9 votes
Recipe PDF
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Cuisine Cape Malay
Servings 6
Calories 88 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams onion 2 large onions, peeled
  • 15 ml extra virgin olive oil approximately 1 tablespoon
  • 15 ml butter approximately 1 tablespoon
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 ml salt approximately 1/4 teaspoon
  • 2.5 ml thyme leaves approximately 1/2 teaspoon
  • 15 ml granulated sugar approximately 1 tablespoon
  • 30 ml balsamic vinegar approximately 2 tablespoon
  • 30 ml water optional

Instructions
 

  • Cut both onions in half length wise and remove the roots. 
  • Place the first onion half flat on the cutting board and cut even slices from the stem end to the root end, about 5mm wide. Repeat this with the other three onion halves.
  • Heat the extra virgin olive oil and butter in a high sided pan and add the onion slices when it starts to sizzle. 
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook gently for 20-25 mins. Check and stir every few 3-5 minutes to ensure that it does not catch and burn.
  • At this point add the crushed garlic, salt and thyme leaves and cook another 5 mins if you wish to use it in soups and quiche. It will be a deep golden blonde color.
  • For a deeper flavored and softer caramelised onion, cook for another 15-20 minutes then add the sugar and balsamic vinegar. 
  • Keep cooking the caramelised onions for another 5 minutes on low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the balsamic vinegar has absorbed, then remove from the heat.
  • If the onions start sticking then add up to 30 ml water to deglaze the chewy bits and cook off the water.

Notes

Use a wide bottomed high sided pan to ensure that the onions do not steam and that there is enough space to move them around without ending up on the stove top.
You can leave out the sugar and balsamic vinegar if you want plain caramelized onions.
The thyme leave can be omitted or replaced with other herbs like rosemary or sage, as long as it compliments the final dish flavor profile.

Nutrition

Serving: 50gCalories: 88kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 87mgPotassium: 121mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 0.3mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional information for the recipe is an approximation and varies according to the ingredients and products used.

Keyword gluten free, halaal recipes, make-ahead, preservative free
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