Braised Onions a La Julia Child
Elevate your side-dish game with Braised Onions à la Julia Child, a classic French recipe that transforms humble pearl or cipollini onions into a luxurious addition to any meal. Slowly simmered in a harmonious blend of butter, olive oil, and savory beef or chicken stock, these tender, golden-brown onions are infused with the subtle aromatics of a bouquet garni and a touch of optional sugar for a caramelized finish. This elegant yet simple dish is perfect as a standalone side or a flavorful complement to roasts, stews, or charcuterie boards. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep, these richly braised onions deliver gourmet flavor with rustic charm.
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Ingredients
- 20 pieces small white onions (pearl onions or cipollini onions)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 cup beef stock (or chicken stock)
- 1 piece bouquet garni (bay leaf, parsley stems, and thyme tied together with kitchen twine)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon optional sugar (for added caramelization)
Directions
Step 1
Peel the small onions by trimming the root end slightly and blanching them in boiling water for 1 minute. Transfer to an ice bath, then slip the skins off gently.
Step 2
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter with the olive oil.
Step 3
Add the peeled onions to the pan in a single layer. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are lightly browned all over.
Step 4
Season the onions with salt, pepper, and optional sugar if desired for extra caramelization.
Step 5
Pour the beef or chicken stock into the pan, ensuring that the onions are about half-covered, and add the bouquet garni.
Step 6
Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and allow the onions to simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. Check occasionally, ensuring the liquid has not evaporated entirely (add a little more stock if necessary).
Step 7
Once the onions are tender and the stock has reduced to create a light glaze, remove the bouquet garni and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 8
Serve the braised onions warm as a side dish, or incorporate them into larger dishes like stews or roasts.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (737.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 266.3 |
| Total Fat 1.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1635.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 61.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 10.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 30.0g | |
| Protein 7.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 153.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 1.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 921.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories