Creamed Pearl Onions: A Delicious Side Dish Recipe for Any Occasion

Creamed Pearl Onions are a delightful side dish that can elevate any meal with their rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Growing up, I remember my grandmother preparing this dish during family gatherings, and the aroma would fill the kitchen, drawing everyone in. The history of creamed pearl onions dates back to classic French cuisine, where they were often served alongside roasted meats, showcasing their versatility and elegance. People love this dish not only for its comforting taste but also for its convenience; it can be prepared ahead of time and simply reheated, making it a perfect addition to holiday feasts or weeknight dinners. With their tender bite and luscious sauce, creamed pearl onions are sure to become a favorite in your household, just as they have in mine.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pearl onions, peeled
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Pearl Onions

First things first, let’s get those pearl onions ready. If you’ve never worked with pearl onions before, don’t worry! They’re small and adorable, and peeling them is easier than it seems.

1. Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. You’ll want enough water to cover the onions completely.
2. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the pearl onions. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. This blanching process will make peeling them a breeze.
3. After the time is up, drain the onions and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and help cool them down.
4. Once they’re cool enough to handle, gently squeeze each onion; the skins should slip right off. If you find any stubborn skins, you can use a small knife to help remove them.

Cooking the Onions

Now that our pearl onions are prepped and ready to go, it’s time to cook them to perfection.

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil will give the onions a rich flavor while preventing the butter from burning.
2. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the peeled pearl onions to the skillet. Stir them gently to coat them in the butter and oil.
3. Sprinkle the sugar over the onions. This will help caramelize them and enhance their natural sweetness. Cook the onions for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender.
4. Season the onions with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it really brings out the flavors!

Making the Cream Sauce

While the onions are cooking, let’s whip up a creamy sauce that will take these little gems to the next level.

1. In a separate saucepan, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Be careful not to let it boil, as we want a smooth and creamy texture.
2. Add the fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme if that’s what you have on hand) to the cream. The thyme will infuse the cream with a lovely herbal flavor.
3. Let the cream simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to thicken slightly but still be pourable.
4. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir it in now. The cheese will melt into the cream, adding a deliciously cheesy richness to the sauce.
5. Once the cream has thickened to your liking, taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Combining the Onions and Cream Sauce

Now comes the fun part—bringing everything together!

1. Once the pearl onions are beautifully caramelized and the cream sauce is ready, pour the cream sauce over the onions in the skillet. Gently stir to combine, ensuring that all the onions are coated in that luscious cream.
2. Let the mixture simmer together for an additional 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. If you want a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer, but keep an eye on it to prevent it from reducing too much.

Serving the Creamed Pearl Onions

Now that our creamed pearl onions are ready, it’s time to serve them up!

1. Transfer the creamed pearl onions to a serving dish. You can use a beautiful bowl or a rustic platter—

Conclusion:

In summary, this creamed pearl onions recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their side dish game. The combination of tender pearl onions enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce creates a delightful flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to hearty vegetarian dishes. Not only is it a fantastic way to showcase the humble pearl onion, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your dining table. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these creamed pearl onions with a succulent roast chicken or a savory beef tenderloin. They also make a wonderful accompaniment to a creamy risotto or a simple pasta dish, adding a burst of flavor and a touch of sophistication. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize the recipe by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a sprinkle of cheese for an extra layer of richness. I encourage you to give this creamed pearl onions recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your dish. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together and inspire each other with our culinary creations!

Print