Description
Tender, sweet onions simmered slowly until silky and flavorful, served with their golden cooking broth. Simple, comforting, and surprisingly elegant, this Onion Boil turns humble ingredients into a warm, versatile side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium sweet onions, peeled and left whole
- 6 cups water or vegetable broth, enough to fully cover the onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Place a large pot on the stove and bring the water or vegetable broth to a gentle boil.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the peeled whole onions to the pot and pour in enough liquid to cover them fully.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 bay leaf, and 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil to the pot.
- Assemble the Dish: Stir gently so the onions are evenly surrounded by the liquid and the seasonings are distributed.
- Cook to Perfection: Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 to 35 minutes, until the onions are fork-tender but not falling apart.
- Finishing Touches: Remove and discard the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper, and add an extra pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the onions whole or halved, spoon over some of the golden cooking liquid, sprinkle with fresh herbs if you like, and serve warm.
Notes
- Save the cooking broth, it makes a flavorful base for soups or sauces.
- For a dairy-free or vegan version, use olive oil instead of butter.
- Slightly score the top of each onion to help them cook evenly.
- Do not overcook; aim for fork-tender to avoid mushy onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx 1 medium portion)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 16 mg
Keywords: onion boil, boiled onions, side dish, simple recipe, comfort food