How To: Caramelize onions

Learn how to caramelize onions. The sweet, mellow flavor of caramelized onions will enhance any soup or main course, and they also taste great as a side dish.

You Will Need

* 1 medium yellow onion
* 1 to 2 tbsp. cooking oil
* 1 to 2 tbsp. butter
* Salt
* Equipment:
* Skillet
* Black pepper
* Sugar

Step 1. Prepare onion

Cut off the top of the onion. Slice it in half lengthwise and peel. Place half of the onion flat side down and slice it into thin half-rings ¼ inch wide. The thinner the slice, the faster it will cook.

Step 2. Preheat the skillet

Place the oil and butter in a large skillet over low heat. When ripples appear in the oil, it's hot enough.

Step 3. Add onion

Add the sliced onion and stir to coat evenly with oil and butter. Add a dash of salt to draw out moisture and speed up the caramelization.

To enhance the flavor and sweetness, add pepper and a dash of sugar.

Step 4. Cook

Let the onions cook for 20 to 30 minutes. Stirring too often will prevent the onions from caramelizing. They will darken as they cook.

Cover the skillet with a lid for the first few minutes to speed up the process. If they stick, deglaze the pan by adding a small amount of water and stirring.

Step 5. Finish and freeze

Remove the onions when they have a deep golden color and are soft and melting. Freeze any leftovers for up to three months.

FACT: Eating parsley will get rid of onion breath.