Looking for that perfect side dish that oozes luxury and comfort? Let me introduce you to a game-changer: Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions. This dish boasts of velvety cream, aromatic white wine, and the sumptuousness of sweet onions crowned with the nutty goodness of Parmesan. With ingredients that scream decadence, your palate is in for a treat.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 large Sweet Onions, peeled and then sliced ½ inch thick
- 3 tbsp extra virgin Olive Oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup white wine
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Detailed Ingredients Breakdown:
- Sweet Onions:
- Profile: These are a variety of onion that is not pungent and has a milder and sweeter taste. Their natural sweetness gets enhanced when roasted, making them perfect for dishes where the onion’s flavor needs to shine.
- Selection: Look for firm sweet onions that feel heavy for their size. The skin should be tight, shiny, and paper-like. Avoid any with sprouts or signs of mold.
- Preparation: Peel the outer layers and slice them into half-inch thick rounds, ensuring they remain intact for beautiful presentation.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
- Profile: A high-quality oil made from the first press of olives. It boasts a strong olive flavor with varying notes depending on its origin. It’s the cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine.
- Quality Check: The best extra virgin olive oil should smell and taste like fresh olives. Its flavor can range from fruity to grassy, to peppery.
- Usage: A drizzle enhances flavors and aids in the roasting process, ensuring the onions become tender without burning.
- Heavy Cream:
- Profile: Also known as whipping cream, it has a high-fat content (about 36%-40%). This imparts a rich and creamy texture to dishes.
- Selection: Always check the expiration date. Fresh heavy cream should have a smooth consistency and a milky aroma.
- Usage: In this dish, it forms the creamy base that pairs wonderfully with the caramelized onions.
- White Wine:
- Profile: Adds acidity and depth to the dish. The alcohol gets cooked off, leaving behind a sophisticated flavor profile.
- Selection: Opt for dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Cooking wines available in stores often have added salts and preservatives, so always use a wine you’d enjoy drinking.
- Alternate Use: If not a fan of wine or avoiding alcohol, substitute with a splash of vegetable or chicken broth, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese:
- Profile: A hard, aged cheese originating from Italy. Known for its sharp and salty flavor, it’s often used to elevate dishes with a touch of umami.
- Selection: Always opt for a block of genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself for the freshest taste. Pre-grated variants often contain anti-caking agents and don’t melt as smoothly.
- Storage: Store leftover cheese in the refrigerator wrapped in parchment paper, inside an airtight container.
Salt and Pepper:
-
- Profile: Fundamental seasonings in virtually all cuisines. They enhance and balance flavors.
- Selection: Kosher or sea salt disperses more evenly than table salt, giving you more control over seasoning. Freshly ground black pepper imparts a more potent flavor than pre-ground.
- Usage: Always season to taste. Start with a pinch and adjust as necessary.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that once your onions are prepared, they can go straight in.
- Prepare the Onions: Take your peeled sweet onions and slice them into half-inch thick rounds. Sweet onions have a gentle, sweet flavor which lends itself perfectly to this dish.
- Onion Seasoning: Lay the sliced onions on a baking tray. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil. Generously season with salt and pepper. Ensure each slice is coated evenly.
- Roasting Time: Place the onions in the oven and roast for approximately 25-30 minutes or until they are soft and lightly caramelized. The roasting process will intensify the natural sugars in the onions, enhancing their sweet flavor.
- Creamy Wine Reduction: While the onions are roasting, pour the white wine into a saucepan and let it simmer on medium heat. Once it has reduced by half, which takes about 7-8 minutes, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow this mixture to simmer until it thickens slightly, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan: To the cream mixture, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until you achieve a smooth, velvety sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine & Bake: Once the onions are roasted, remove them from the oven and pour the Parmesan cream sauce over them. Make sure every onion slice is lavishly coated.
- Final Roasting: Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. These Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions are the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, poultry, or even as a stand-alone vegetarian dish.
Tips for the Best Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions:
- Onion Selection: Opt for uniformly-sized sweet onions. This ensures even cooking and a harmonized flavor.
- Wine Choices: A dry white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works wonders. They add depth and sophistication to the cream sauce.
- Fresh Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more authentic and robust flavor.
The Secrets Behind Perfect Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions:
- Consistency is Key: Always ensure your onions are sliced uniformly to guarantee even roasting.
- Freshness Matters: Using freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality olive oil can elevate the dish substantially.
- Low and Slow: Roasting at a lower temperature for a longer time brings out the natural sweetness of the onions.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this delightful side with:
- Grilled steak or chicken breast.
- A light, leafy salad to balance out the creaminess.
- A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a lemon wedge.
Check out our other gourmet side dishes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use red onions instead?
Yes, but it will have a slightly different, more pungent flavor. - Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or a cashew-based cream as a substitute.
How long can I store the leftovers?
In an airtight container, they should last 2-3 days in the refrigerator.Learn more about the benefits of sweet onions
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