Italian Baby Onions
Elevate your dining experience with these tender and sweet Italian Baby Onions, a classic dish featuring Cipollini or pearl onions caramelized to perfection in a luscious balsamic glaze. With a harmonious blend of olive oil, butter, brown sugar, and tangy balsamic vinegar, this easy yet elegant recipe delivers a rich depth of flavor that’s perfect as a side dish or an appetizer. The onions are gently simmered until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender and finished with a silky, glossy glaze that’s irresistibly good. Ready in under an hour, this Italian-inspired delight pairs beautifully with roasted meats, creamy polenta, or as part of a charcuterie spread. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness, and enjoy this simple yet sophisticated dish either warm or at room temperature.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams baby onions (cipollini or pearl onions)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Peel the baby onions: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the onions and blanch them for 2-3 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly before peeling the skins off.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
Add the peeled baby onions to the skillet and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown lightly.
Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and stir well to coat them evenly.
Pour the balsamic vinegar and water into the skillet. Add salt and stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the onions simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of water to prevent burning.
Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken into a glaze.
Taste the onions and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
621 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.0 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.8 g | 54% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 33 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 2475 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.7 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.5 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.3 g | ||
| Protein | 5.9 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 161 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 854 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
