Here's an easy recipe on how to caramelize onions without adding any sugar. All you need are onions, water, and salt to create one of the best condiments.
Over medium-high heat, add the olive oil in a cast-iron pan or large, heavy skillet at least 12 inches in diameter. Swirl to coat the pan.
Add the sliced onions, one-third at a time, and toss in the oil until properly coated.
Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of salt and stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes or until they start to soften.
Lower the heat to low and cook, uncovered for about 45 minutes or until the onions become very soft, slightly sticky and a deep golden brown. Stir the onions every 3-4 minutes.
If they begin to stick to the bottom of the pan, add a tablespoon or so of water and simply scrape the bits off. Consider lowering the heat if they start to burn.
Towards the end of the process, a few minutes before the onions are done to your liking, add 1-2 tablespoons of water, stock or wine to de-glaze the pan. When the liquid evaporates, they are done.
Use immediately or cool to room temperature and refrigerate for up to three days or place in an airtight container, cover and freeze for up to one month.
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Notes
Total yield: ¾ cup
One pound of yellow onions = 3 medium
Make soup stock with the unused outer skins. Simply freeze until you have enough vegetable scraps to make a flavorful broth.
Keep the root intact in order to hold the layers of the onion in place. This makes it easier to slice evenly.
Use a large cast-iron or heavy skillet, at least 12 inches in diameter. This encourages the water accumulation, released by the onions, to evaporate quickly. This, in turn, provides the perfect environment for the onions to caramelize properly.
Add salt at the beginning. This helps draw out the moisture from the onions.
Use low heat and stir. Do not be tempted to increase the temperature to speed up the process.
Use stock or wineto de-glaze the pan instead of water to release the onion bits stuck on the pan.
Nutritional information is for the entire recipe.
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.