Great cooks use caramelized onions to add tons of flavor to their dishes.Cut onions thinly and cook them with butter for a long time.The longer the onions cook, the sweeter they become, so take your time with making them.They should be put into your favorite soup or dip.
Step 1: The onions are into thin slices.
Place 2 onions on a cutting board and cut them in half.Take 2 inch off of the stem ends.Next, lay the onions against the board and use a knife to cut the onion into 8 inch slices.Don't cut through the root end if you want the onion to stay together.Remove the root end of the onion once you've sliced it.You can use your favorite type of onion.The onions can be caramelized red, Spanish, or Vidalia.
Step 2: The butter should be hot when it's in the skillet.
Put unsalted butter into a deep skillet on the stove.Leave the butter to melt when you turn the burner to medium.Continue to cook until it starts to heat up.It's important to use a skillet with deep sides so the onions don't spatter or flip out of the pan when you stir.
Step 3: Add a pinch of salt to the skillet after putting the sliced onions in.
The onions should be put into the skillet and softened for about a minute.It's easier to stir the onions in the skillet if you add them in handfuls.Stir in a pinch of kosher salt after you've added all of the onions.If you dump all of the sliced onions into the skillet at once, it will be difficult to stir and the onions on the bottom will cook faster than the ones on top.If you only caramelize one onion, you can put all of the slices into the skillet at once.
Step 4: The onions can be lightly caramelized.
When the burner is medium-low, stir the onions every 2 to 3 minutes for at least 15 minutes.If you want to leave the onions lightly caramelized, you can turn off the burner.Use lightly caramelized onions for classic French onion soup or cook them for richer onions.
Step 5: If you want darker onions, cook the onions for at least 15 to 30 more minutes.
Continue to stir the onions frequently and cook them until they're a rich, golden brown to make softer, sweeter caramelized onions.For a total cooking time of 30 to 50 minutes, this will take between 15 and 30 more minutes.If the onions start to stick to the skillet, you can stir in some water or vegetable stock to loosen them.
Step 6: The onions can be used in dips, pasta or eggs.
Stir the onions into scrambled eggs or carbonara.If you want to make a caramelized onion dip or spread, let them cool before you blend them with sour cream and spices.If you want to store leftover caramelized onions, put them into an airtight container and chill them for a week.
Step 7: For a richer flavor, stir in balsamic and brown sugar.
If you want a slightly sweeter flavor, taste the onions after they're done caramelizing.If you do, you should stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 2 cups of balsamic vinegar.Continue cooking the onions until they are soft and caramelized.If you don't have brown sugar, you can add molasses.
Step 8: Beer or cider can be used to cook onions.
If you'll be serving the caramelized onions with sausages or a roast, consider adding a cup of beer or cider to the onions after they've cooked for about 10 minutes.Bring the liquid to a boil and then turn the burner down so the onions can cook for 20 more minutes.Once the onions finish caramelizing, the beer or cider should evaporate.
Step 9: Baking soda can be added to speed up caramelization.
If you don't have time to cook the onions in a skillet, add a pinch of baking soda to the sliced onions.The onions will turn brown faster if the baking soda is used.Baking soda can be used for every pound of onion.
Step 10: There is a slight herbal flavor to add to it.
If you're caramelizing onions, you should get out a fresh piece of fresh thyme.When you put the onions in the skillet, remove the leaves.Add the herbs and finish caramelizing the onions.For a different flavor, use your favorite herbs.For fresh leaves, chop them up.
Step 11: If you want to do a hands-off method, caramelize the onions in a slow cooker.
If you fill your slow cooker at least 1/2 full with sliced onions, you can add olive oil or butter for every pound of onions.The cooker should be turned to low when the lid is put on it.The onions should be slow-cooked for 10 hours.If you remember, you can stir the onions occasionally to help them cook evenly, but it's fine if you just leave them to cook.