Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions: A Decadent Side Dish
Introduction:
Discover the perfect blend of richness and simplicity with our Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions. This recipe elevates the humble onion to a luxurious side dish that pairs excellently with a variety of main courses. From holiday feasts to a refined addition to your weeknight dinner, these creamed onions are sure to impress with their creamy texture and a crispy, cheesy topping.
Ingredients:
For this delightful dish, you will need:
- 2 lbs of small pearl onions, peeled
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Steps:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. As the oven warms, peel the onions, which can be a bit time-consuming but is crucial for the perfect texture.
- Roast the Onions: Toss the peeled onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are tender and start to caramelize. This roasting process enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
- Make the Cream Sauce: While the onions roast, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Onions with Sauce: Remove the onions from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the roasted onions to a baking dish. Pour the thickened cream sauce over the onions, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Add Parmesan and Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the creamed onions, providing a layer that will achieve a golden, crispy crust when baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the onion mixture in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Garnishing and Serving: Once baked, let the dish cool slightly before sprinkling with chopped fresh parsley. This not only adds a splash of color but also a fresh, herbal contrast to the rich creaminess of the dish.
Conclusion:
Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions are a testament to the magic that can happen when simple ingredients are combined with a little culinary care. This dish, with its creamy, savory flavor profile topped with a crispy, cheesy crust, serves as a sophisticated side that complements any main course, especially during festive seasons. Whether you’re looking to add something special to your dinner party or just want to spice up your weekday meal routine, these creamed onions promise to deliver exceptional taste and texture.
