Italian Baby Onions
Elevate your dining experience with these tender and sweet Italian Baby Onions, a classic dish featuring Cipollini or pearl onions caramelized to perfection in a luscious balsamic glaze. With a harmonious blend of olive oil, butter, brown sugar, and tangy balsamic vinegar, this easy yet elegant recipe delivers a rich depth of flavor that’s perfect as a side dish or an appetizer. The onions are gently simmered until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender and finished with a silky, glossy glaze that’s irresistibly good. Ready in under an hour, this Italian-inspired delight pairs beautifully with roasted meats, creamy polenta, or as part of a charcuterie spread. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness, and enjoy this simple yet sophisticated dish either warm or at room temperature.
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Ingredients
- 500 grams baby onions (cipollini or pearl onions)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Peel the baby onions: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the onions and blanch them for 2-3 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly before peeling the skins off.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
Step 3
Add the peeled baby onions to the skillet and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown lightly.
Step 4
Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and stir well to coat them evenly.
Step 5
Pour the balsamic vinegar and water into the skillet. Add salt and stir to combine.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the onions simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of water to prevent burning.
Step 7
Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken into a glaze.
Step 8
Taste the onions and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
Step 9
Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 843.2 grams (843.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 621 |
| Total Fat 40.00g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat 10.80g | 54% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 3.00g | |
| Cholesterol 33mg | 11% |
| Sodium 2475mg | 108% |
| Total Carbohydrate 60.70g | 22% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.50g | 30% |
| Total Sugars 34.30g | |
| Protein 5.90g | 12% |
| Vitamin D 2IU | 11% |
| Calcium 161mg | 12% |
| Iron 2mg | 11% |
| Potassium 855mg | 18% |
Source of Calories