What You’ll Need:
- 2 large onions (yellow, white, or red)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
Step 1: Prep the Onions
Start by peeling and thinly slicing the onions. You can choose any type of onions based on your preference. The thin slices will help the onions cook evenly and caramelize more quickly.
Step 2: Heat the Oil and Butter
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter has melted.
Step 3: Add the Onions
Add the sliced onions to the skillet and toss them gently so that they are coated in the oil and butter mixture. Spread them out evenly in the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Onions
Reduce the heat to low and let the onions cook slowly. Stir them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan. This is where the magic happens as the natural sugars in the onions caramelize, creating a sweet and rich flavor. The entire process can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 5: Season
After the onions have reached a rich golden-brown color, season them with a pinch of salt. You can also add a pinch of sugar at this point to enhance the natural sweetness of the caramelized onions. However, this step is optional and depends on your taste preferences.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Your caramelized onions are now ready to be used in various dishes. They are a great topping for burgers and sandwiches, a flavorful addition to soups and stews, or a delicious companion to grilled meats. Store any leftover caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Now that you know how to prepare caramelized onions, take your cooking to new heights by incorporating them into your favorite dishes. Their sweet and savory flavor will undoubtedly enhance any recipe they touch.