Balsamic Roasted Onions transform simple onions into a gourmet side dish, featuring a perfect balance of sweet onions, tangy balsamic vinegar, and a hint of dry white wine. Roasted to golden perfection, this dish brings a savory richness that is perfect for any dinner table or as part of an antipasti platter.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 6 small or 4 medium sweet onions

• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoons dry white wine

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh green herbs (parsley, thyme, or oregano)

Directions

Prepare the Onions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Peel the onions and slice them in half.

Make the Roasting Mixture:
3. In an ovenproof casserole dish, combine the butter and olive oil.
4. Whisk in balsamic vinegar, dry white wine, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Roast the Onions:
5. Arrange the onion halves, cut side down, in the dish, ensuring a single layer.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. After 20 minutes, flip the onions and baste them with the pan juices.
8. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the onions are tender and browned.

Serve:
9. Once roasted, remove the onions from the oven and serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Nutrients

(Nutritional estimates per serving; values may vary)

• Calories: ~130

• Fat: ~10g

• Saturated Fat: ~5g

• Carbohydrates: ~15g

• Sugars: ~9g

• Protein: ~1g

• Fiber: ~2g

The Magic of Roasting: Sweet, Tender, and Caramelized

Roasting onions brings out their natural sweetness and creates a rich, tender texture. The combination of butter and olive oil provides a luscious base that helps the onions caramelize while maintaining a silky texture. As the onions roast, the balsamic vinegar and dry white wine meld together, infusing the onions with a balanced tanginess and depth of flavor. The sugar helps enhance the caramelization, creating a slight sweetness that perfectly balances the vinegar’s acidity.

The process of roasting the onions ensures that they become tender and deeply flavorful. The onions’ natural sugars caramelize during the cooking process, enhancing their sweetness while the vinegar adds a sophisticated, slightly tangy finish. This method brings out the best in the onions, transforming them from a basic ingredient into a gourmet side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The Flavor Profile: Sweet, Tangy, and Rich

The combination of balsamic vinegar and dry white wine is key to the flavor profile of Balsamic Roasted Onions. The balsamic vinegar offers a complex sweetness and acidity, while the dry white wine adds a touch of fruitiness and depth. Together, these ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that infuses the onions with a unique richness. The addition of sugar helps to caramelize the onions, adding an extra layer of sweetness that complements the tangy vinegar.

Herbs such as parsley, thyme, or oregano add a fragrant, fresh touch to the dish. These fresh herbs bring brightness and a hint of earthiness, perfectly rounding out the deep, roasted flavors of the onions.

An Easy Yet Elegant Preparation

Despite its sophisticated flavor, Balsamic Roasted Onions are surprisingly easy to prepare. The recipe requires minimal ingredients, and the steps are straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. Here’s a quick rundown of the preparation process:

1. Prepare the Onions: Start by peeling the onions and slicing them in half. This allows the flavors to penetrate the onions during roasting.

2. Make the Roasting Mixture: In an ovenproof casserole dish, combine butter, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dry white wine, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is well combined.

3. Roast the Onions: Arrange the onions in a single layer, cut side down, in the roasting mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the onions, baste them with the pan juices, and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until they are tender and golden brown.

4. Garnish and Serve: Once roasted, remove the onions from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped herbs before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

This easy preparation makes Balsamic Roasted Onions an ideal choice for busy weeknights, yet the depth of flavor ensures they feel like a special treat.

Perfect for a Variety of Meals

Balsamic Roasted Onions are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. They’re an excellent accompaniment to roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork, and can add a rich, savory element to a vegetable-focused meal. These onions also work beautifully as part of an antipasti platter, where they can be served alongside cheeses, olives, and cured meats. The dish is light enough to enjoy with lighter meals but rich enough to stand up to heartier fare.

Their unique flavor also makes them a great addition to sandwiches, salads, or even atop a warm grain bowl, adding complexity and depth to whatever dish they accompany.

Nutritional Information: A Flavorful, Health-Conscious Side

Balsamic Roasted Onions are not only delicious but also relatively light. With approximately 130 calories per serving, they provide a satisfying side without overwhelming your meal. The dish contains 10 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat, thanks to the butter and olive oil. However, this is balanced by the 2 grams of fiber per serving, which makes it a healthier choice when compared to other heavier side dishes.

The 9 grams of sugars in each serving are naturally derived from the onions and the balsamic vinegar, providing a subtly sweet flavor without being overly sugary. With only 1 gram of protein, these onions are best served as a side dish, but they’re packed with flavor and make a delicious addition to any meal.

Conclusion: A Simple, Elegant Side Dish

Balsamic Roasted Onions are a gourmet side dish that offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The combination of roasted onions, balsamic vinegar, and dry white wine creates a depth of flavor that is both rich and satisfying. Whether served alongside meats, as part of an antipasti platter, or enjoyed on their own, these onions bring elegance and sophistication to any meal. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, Balsamic Roasted Onions are sure to become a favorite side dish in your kitchen. Try them today and experience how something as simple as an onion can be transformed into a delicious, gourmet treat.