Since we are on a back to basics kick right now, I thought I’d throw some caramelized onions into the mix. This recipe is so simple, but you need to put on your patience pants. Patience pants is something I do with my 4 year old; we always identify the color of our patience pants before we have to go somewhere or do something where we’ll need some extra patience. Her’s are almost always rainbow sparkle. Anyway, pull up your patience pants, no matter what color they are, because these deliciously sweet and delectable golden onions are not quick. But, they are simple and totally worth it.
A few weeks ago, Cameron Diaz was on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to talk about her new book, The Body Book. Full confession here, I have not read the book, but during the interview, she talked about something she calls Shallot Gold. Essentially, these are caramelized shallots that she makes every week, saves in the fridge and then throws some on her lunch, dinner, or anything when she wants some extra flavor. It’s such a great idea! So, I thought I’d give it a try. Make some caramelize onions and put a spoonful on my lunch, breakfast, etc. I chose onions simply for the budget factor. Shallots are pricey, and I can buy a bag full of organic onions for less than a couple of non-organic shallots. So, I can throw these babies on my eggs in the morning, my sweet potato hash, maybe a little quinoa for dinner, the possibilities are endless.
Many of the recipes you’ll see use butter, sugar, etc. But you really don’t need those ingredients for these to be yummy. The onions have a natural sweetness that comes out during the cooking process and will caramelize without the extra sugar. This simple recipe is healthy and delicious. Let us know what you think!
Local Ingredient: Local Onions from a farm stand.
Ingredients
2 onions, sliced
1-2 tbls coconut oil
pinch of salt
Instructions
- Put coconut oil in a medium to large pot over medium heat. Once its melted, add the onion. Stir to coat the onions.
- Let the onions cook down on medium low to low heat. Stirring occasionally (maybe 3 or 4 times during the whole process) Toss in the salt about half way through.
- Cook onions for 45 minute to an hour, until they are a deep brown and caramelized.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
A good rule of thumb is 1-2 tbls coconut oil for every 2 onions. So you could easily double this recipe by adding an additional 2 onions and 1-2 more tbls of coconut oil.
Julia says
August 24, 2014 at 11:29 amThank you for this! I didn’t like the thought of using butter or sugar-based additives. Exactly what I was looking for.
Joe says
January 5, 2017 at 9:42 amThese caramelized onions are delicious and so simple to make! I especially like them served on chicken and mixed with quinoa. For anyone making these for the first time using coconut oil, be sure to use level tablespoons of coconut oil and not heaping tablespoons. Also, I suggest making a double batch (3-4 tbls coconut oil, 4 onions). My yield for a single batch was less than 1 cup.