Caramelized Port Onions Recipes

Steps:

• Set a 6-quart Instant Pot® to high saute (see Cook's Note). Add the butter and olive oil to the pot. Once the butter has melted completely, add the onions, thyme, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and several grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, until the onions start to sizzle and the mixture is thoroughly combined, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Follow the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. After the pressure-cook cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer's guide for quick release and wait until the quick-release cycle is complete (this should take about 2 minutes). Being careful of any remaining steam, unlock and remove the lid, then stir in the balsamic vinegar. At this point, the onions should be tender and blonde in color.
• Set the pot back to high saute and cook, stirring frequently and scraping any brown bits from the bottom and sides of the pot, until almost all the liquid has evaporated and the onions are a deep golden brown and saucy, about 30 minutes. Be sure to stir the onions frequently and watch them closely; you want to scrape the brown bits from the pot before they turn too dark and burn. Remove the thyme stems; taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Steps:

• Peel your onions and cut them in half through their stem ends-longways, if you will. Slice them thinly with the grain, following the line from root to stem rather than cutting the onion across its belly. This is actually important because slicing it the other way makes the path to silky onions a longer one.
• Once your onions are sliced, heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil, then the onions and the salt. Let the onions sizzle for a couple minutes. Stir with a wooden spoon or a heatproof spatula and watch as they wilt for about 3 more minutes. At this point, reduce the heat to medium low. Put a lid on and step away for a few minutes. Give the onions a stir every now and then. You don't have to stand over it like risotto, but don't go for a walk around the block either. Caramelized bits will accumulate at the bottom and sides of the pan, and that's good. Just scrape them up and stir them in. A little color building as you go is okay, but don't rush to brown them. The point is to cook the onions gently, coaxing them through stages of raw, wilted, sweaty, soft, light brown, and finally deeply caramelized
• About 45 minutes in, remove the lid for the last time. They should be a light caramel color. Now, with the lid off, you will need to watch more closely and stir more frequently. At some point you may find that despite your best efforts some of the caramelized bits, verging on burnt, cling to the pan and threaten over all onion ruin. Do not fret! Just add a ½ cup or so of water and use its energy to help scrape up the stubborn but tasty film. Let the water cook out of course. When you're smiling over a soft, creamy, fragrant pile of mahogany onions, you're done.
• Note: R-Rated Onions will keep in the fridge for a week and in the freezer for 3 months.

Steps:

• In a large skillet, saute onions in oil over medium heat until tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in vinegar and brown sugar. Cook for 10 minutes longer or until onions are golden.

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan over a low heat.
• Add the onions with a generous pinch of salt and cook slowly for 30-40 mins. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking or burning until they become soft and golden. If the onions start to catch, add a splash of water to the pan and mix well.
• Add the sugar and vinegar to give them a sweet, slightly sharp chutney flavour. Keep cooking on a low heat for another 5 mins, stirring occasionally until the mix is sticky, the sugar has dissolved and the vinegar has reduced. The onions are now ready to serve, or use in a recipe.