Caramelized onion It is one of the most popular side dishes versatile and appreciated in the kitchen. Their sweet taste and soft texture This makes it an ideal accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes, from meats and fish to salads, toasts and omelettes. Although many people may consider this process complicated due to the time it requires, in this article we will explain techniques and tricks to prepare it in a safe way. simple, fast and with spectacular results, both with and without sugar.
Caramelized onion not only provides a sweet touch, but it also enhances the flavours of the ingredients it is combined with. From its traditional use in French cuisine in onion soup to its presence in Spanish dishes such as tortillas or pinchos, this ingredient has conquered tables around the world. Below, we offer you a step-by-step recipe that includes tips to optimize its preparation and suggestions for uses in different dishes.
Ingredients needed to prepare caramelized onions
- 1 kg onions (preferably white or sweet onion, but any type works).
- 1 splash of extra virgin olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional, to speed up the process).
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons white or brown sugar (optional).
- 1 squirt of balsamic vinegar (optional).
Preparation of caramelized onion step by step
1. Cutting the onion: First, peel the onions and cut them into julienne strips (thin strips). This is the most common cut, although if you prefer a jam-like texture, you can cut them into brunoise (small squares). If you want to avoid tears, an effective trick is to use diving goggles while cutting the onions.
2. Start cooking: Heat some oil in a large frying pan over low heat. Add the onion along with a pinch of salt. Stir frequently to make sure all the onion is coated with the oil. In about 5 to 10 minutes, the onion will begin to soften.
3. Accelerate the process with bicarbonate: If you are short on time, adding a teaspoon of baking soda is a great trick. This ingredient increases the alkalinity of the onion, which favors the release of its natural games, thus considerably reducing the caramelization time.
4. Caramelization: Cook the onion over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. It will gradually take on a characteristic dark color. If you decide to add sugar or balsamic vinegar, do so when the onion is already caramelized. These elements provide a contrast interesting between sweetness and acidity.
5. Optional: extra touch of flavor with sugar and vinegar: To enhance the sweetness, add 2 tablespoons of sugar (white or brown) and a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking. Cook for 3 more minutes over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Additional tips for a perfect result
When preparing caramelized onions, it is important to take some considerations into account to obtain a optimal result:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly.
- Don't be in a hurry; patience It is key for the natural sugars in the onion to caramelize properly.
- Add a little water if the mixture begins to dry out before reaching the desired level of caramelization.
Uses and applications of caramelized onions
Caramelized onion is a multipurpose ingredient which provides contrasting flavours in many dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Dishes with cheese: It is a classic to accompany mild or intense cheeses, such as goat cheese, with caramelized onion.
- Recipes with meat: From burgers and meatballs to liver and onion dishes. It also works with more sophisticated meats, such as Baked sirloin steak.
- Salads: Add caramelized onion in a spinach salad or a chickpea salad gives it a sweet touch spectacular.
- International dishes: It is used in dishes such as Mujaddara, a Syrian lentil recipe, or as an addition to the famous French onion soup.
There are many ways to prepare this delicious accompaniment depending on your personal preferences or the time available, but by following these tips, you will achieve a caramelized onion that will take any dish to the next level. Go ahead and try it and discover its infinite possibilities in your kitchen!