Imagine walking into your kitchen, greeted by the irresistible aroma of sweet, caramelized onions slowly cooking away in your slow cooker. This French classic transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet delight that can elevate any dish—from burgers to pasta and beyond. With just a few minutes of prep time and a hands-off cooking process, you can create a rich, velvety topping that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Ready to unlock the secret to perfectly caramelized onions? Let’s dive into this simple yet rewarding recipe that promises to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Peel the onions and slice them thinly using a sharp knife. Aim for uniform, thin slices to ensure even caramelization.
- Grease the interior of your slow cooker with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking and help with the caramelization process.
- Add the sliced onions to the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the pot.
- Cut the remaining butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the onions.
- Sprinkle salt and sugar over the onions to help draw out moisture and enhance the caramelization process.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat setting. Cook for 8 hours without stirring, allowing the onions to slowly break down and develop a deep, rich color.
- After 8 hours, check the onions. They should be a deep golden brown and very soft, with a jam-like consistency.
- Optional: Stir in the balsamic vinegar during the last 30 minutes of cooking to add a tangy depth of flavor.
- Once done, let the caramelized onions cool slightly. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Choose the Right Onions: For the best flavor, opt for sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions. Their natural sugars caramelize beautifully.
- Uniform Slices: Slice your onions as evenly as possible to ensure they cook at the same rate. A mandoline can help achieve consistent thickness.
- Butter Matters: Don’t skimp on the butter! It not only adds richness but also helps the onions caramelize evenly.
- Patience is Key: Resist the urge to stir the onions while they cook. Allowing them to sit undisturbed lets them develop that deep, rich flavor.
- Enhance with Balsamic: For an extra layer of flavor, add balsamic vinegar during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It adds a delightful tang that complements the sweetness of the onions.
- Storage Tips: Once cooled, store your caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week and are perfect for meal prep!
- Versatile Uses: Don’t just use them as a topping! Incorporate caramelized onions into soups, stews, or even on pizzas for an added depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
