Caramelized Onions with Apples and Carrots

Transform your next meal with this irresistible recipe for *Caramelized Onions with Apples and Carrots*, a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors that elevate any dish. Slowly sautéed yellow onions develop a deep, golden caramelization, enhanced by the subtle sweetness of brown sugar. Crisp Fuji or Honeycrisp apples lend tender, fruity notes, while vibrant carrots add a touch of earthy freshness. A hint of fresh thyme rounds out this beautifully balanced side dish, perfect for pairing with roasted meats, serving over creamy polenta, or enjoyed as an elegant seasonal topping. With minimal prep time and just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe is a simple yet impressive addition to your table. Whether you're entertaining or looking for a comforting weeknight side, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 medium Yellow onions
• 2 medium Apples (preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp)
• 3 medium Carrots
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Brown sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the onions and slice them thinly into half-moons.

Step 2

Core the apples and slice them into thin wedges, leaving the skin on for added texture and flavor.

Step 3

Peel the carrots and slice them into thin rounds or diagonal slices for a more visually appealing presentation.

Step 4

In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the olive oil to prevent the butter from burning.

Step 5

Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onions to the skillet and sprinkle with a pinch of salt to help them sweat.

Step 6

Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until they soften and take on a deep golden-brown color. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning them.

Step 7

Add the brown sugar to the skillet and stir to coat the onions evenly. This will enhance their sweetness and encourage further caramelization.

Step 8

Add the carrots to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

Step 9

Stir in the apple slices and continue to cook for another 10–15 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape, and the mixture is well caramelized.

Step 10

Season with the remaining salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 11

Remove from heat and serve warm as a side dish, topping, or a base for other recipes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1101.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	910.5

Total Fat 51.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g
Cholesterol 93mg	0%
Sodium 1344.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 120.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.3g	0%
Total Sugars 75.1g
Protein 8.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 194.0mg	0%
Iron 2.1mg	0%
Potassium 1726.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.5%

Protein: 3.3%

Carbs: 49.2%