Clean Caramelized Onions

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.