One of the best-kept secrets of the kitchen is how to use caramelized onions. They add a lot of flavor and depth to whatever you add them to. They can easily become a part of many different recipes. Whenever you need a boost of flavor, caramelized onions will arrive to save the recipe.
It is easy to make caramelized onions. Take a nice heavy skillet and heat it up. Add a little olive oil and butter. Chop up five or six onions into small thin pieces. Add the onions to the skillet and turn the heat to low. The mountain of onions in the skillet will soon reduce to a golden layer of goodness. Turn the onions with a spatula or tongs every ten to fifteen minutes so they do not burn. They are done when they taste sweet and feel soft in your mouth. There should be no hint of crunchiness.
Caramelized onions can be added to many recipes. Pile them on a toasted baguette with cheese for a wonderful treat. They taste terrific on pizza or even add them to a sandwich. They are good to keep in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. Just add some into a recipe whenever you need a little zing.
Make some savory onion tarts or even a whole onion pie using caramelized onions. They are cheap and easy to make as well as delicious and nutritious. If you like meat pies, add some to a delicious beef pot pie. Your family will love it. The onions and the beef work well together.
Got burgers? Add some caramelized onions on top for a delicious change of pace. Of course you can always use them for the traditional liver and onions… it is not only delicious it is good for you! Add them to an omelet with spinach, cheese and a little spice for something that will really jumpstart your morning.
If you are having a party, caramelized onions will come to the rescue! Add some to some cream cheese and some dill. Mix it in your handy dandy food processor and serve it up with bread, chips, or mini bagels. Go ahead and let your guests know you made it yourself. Who knew that onions could save the day?
Of course, you cannot forget the classics: French onion soup is a must. You can easily use a crock pot French onion soup recipe and just add in leftover caramelized onions from the fridge. Let it simmer all day long for a rustic meal when you come home in the evening. Dish it up and make some cheesy croutons for the top under your broiler. This simple meal will make you feel comforted and cared for, yet all you did was throw some leftovers into the pot with some broth!
Now that you can see the versatility of caramelized onions, be sure you keep plenty on hand. Since they keep well in the icebox, make up a batch every week to use as needed. You will be amazed at how many uses you will find for this terrific vegetable.
Making an onion soup recipe is not difficult at all. There are few ingredients to most versions of this recipe. All the flavor comes from the preparation. Taking the time to slowly caramelize the onions and to let them simmer in the beef broth afterwards creates rewards beyond measure.