Glazed Pearl Onions
These Glazed Pearl Onions are a delightful addition to any holiday table, transforming humble onions into a sweet and savory treat. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your Thanksgiving spread, this recipe is surprisingly simple and family-friendly.
Equipment
- Large skillet,
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 pound pearl onions peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: If using frozen pearl onions, thaw them slightly. Fresh pearl onions can be a bit time-consuming to peel. To make it easier, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. The skins should slip off easily.
- Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the peeled pearl onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. The onions should begin to soften during this stage.
- Add the Glaze: Stir in the brown sugar, vegetable broth, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Glaze and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the onions simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and the sauce has thickened into a beautiful glaze. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the glaze and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper, or a drizzle more balsamic vinegar for extra tang.
- Serve: Transfer the Glazed Pearl Onions to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a vegan option, substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil. Also, make sure to use a vegetable broth that is certified vegan.
Don't overcrowd the pan: cook the onions in batches to ensure even browning. For a sweeter glaze, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.