Caramelizing Onions

By:   Carl Hanson

Browned Sugars

Redolent and deeply flavorful, caramelized onions are great for garnishing soup, meat, fish and egg dishes, and for topping sandwiches and adorning appetizer platters.

Break It Down

Caramelizing onions breaks down their sugars: softening, searing and slowly transforming them into an aromatic, nutty brown treat. Sweeter varieties of onion, like Walla Walla and Vidalia, caramelize more quickly than others.

Getting Started

Cut onions into crescent-shaped slices. Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the fat shimmers, stir in the onions until coated with oil. Add a pinch of salt, then stir periodically, allowing the onions to darken.

Finishing Up

It’s okay if the onions stick to the skillet somewhat. But if you think they’re sticking too much, add a small amount of water, then stir vigorously, deglazing the skillet until the onions have reached the desired color, flavor, and texture.