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Pearl Onion Recipe

There's something undeniably charming about pearl onions; their petite size and mild sweetness add a delightful touch to salads, stews, or as a standalone side dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound pearl onions
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs like thyme or parsley

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Peeler (optional)

Method
 

  1. Peel the pearl onions by trimming the root end and using your fingers or a small knife to remove the skins.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
  3. Add the peeled pearl onions to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly in the butter and oil.
  4. Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn golden.
  5. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over the onions; continue cooking for another 5 minutes to allow them to caramelize and develop a glaze.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to distribute the seasoning evenly.
  7. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh herbs just before removing the skillet from the heat to preserve their vibrant flavor.
  8. Transfer the cooked pearl onions to a serving dish and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.