Description
This recipe guides you through the simple yet transformative process of caramelizing yellow onions to unlock their rich, sweet flavor. Using a blend of olive oil and butter, combined with fresh thyme and gentle seasoning, these caramelized onions make a perfect savory addition to a variety of dishes, from burgers and pizzas to salads and soups.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- 1 pound yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- â…› teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the fat: Add the olive oil and unsalted butter to a medium-large skillet set over medium-high heat. This combination provides flavor and helps in the even cooking of onions.
- Add the onions and seasoning: Once the butter is melted, add the thinly sliced yellow onions, fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the skillet, distributing them evenly.
- Start browning: Cook the onions until they begin to turn brown in spots, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently during this stage to prevent burning and encourage even caramelization.
- Slow cook and soften: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add a splash of water if the onions start to stick or the pan gets too dry, maintaining moisture for proper caramelization.
Notes
- Using a mixture of butter and olive oil adds depth of flavor and helps prevent burning.
- Stir frequently during the initial browning but only occasionally during the covered cooking to allow onions to soften and caramelize evenly.
- If the pan dries out, adding a splash of water helps deglaze and keeps onions from burning.
- Low and slow cooking ensures onions develop a sweet and rich caramelized flavor rather than just browning.
- Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal note, but it can be omitted or substituted with other herbs like rosemary if desired.
