Caramelized Red Onions with Balsamic Glaze

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### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Onions**:
– Start by peeling and thinly slicing the red onions. The thinner the slices, the more evenly they will caramelize.

2. **Cook the Onions**:
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil (and butter, if using) over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir to coat them in the oil and butter.
– Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the onions to cook, stirring occasionally. Keep the heat at medium-low to allow the onions to caramelize slowly and evenly. This should take about 25-30 minutes. The onions will begin to soften, turn golden brown, and develop a sweet aroma as the natural sugars are released.

3. **Add the Balsamic Glaze**:
– Once the onions are deeply caramelized and tender, add the balsamic vinegar to the pan. Stir well to coat the onions. Let the vinegar simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly, forming a glaze.
– For added sweetness, you can stir in a teaspoon or two of honey or brown sugar. This is optional but can help balance out the acidity of the balsamic vinegar and enhance the natural sweetness of the onions.

4. **Finish and Serve**:
– Once the balsamic glaze has thickened and the onions are fully coated, remove the pan from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
– Serve immediately as a topping or side dish, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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### Why These Caramelized Red Onions Work So Well

– **Perfect Balance**: The caramelization of the onions brings out their natural sweetness, which complements the rich, tangy balsamic vinegar beautifully. The honey or brown sugar adds just a touch more sweetness, but it’s entirely optional if you prefer a more savory version.

– **Rich and Velvety Texture**: The slow cooking process allows the onions to become soft and velvety, adding a luxurious texture to any dish they’re added to.

– **Versatile for Any Meal**: These caramelized red onions can be used to top burgers, steaks, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or mixed into pasta. They’re also great in salads or served as an accompaniment to cheeses and charcuterie.

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### Tips and Variations

– **Add Herbs**: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can be added during the caramelization process to infuse more flavor into the onions.

– **Add Garlic**: For an extra layer of savory depth, consider adding a couple of minced garlic cloves during the last few minutes of caramelizing the onions.

– **Make it Vegan**: Simply skip the butter and use olive oil for a completely vegan-friendly dish.

– **Use as a Dip**: Combine these caramelized onions with some cream cheese or goat cheese to create a delicious dip for crackers or veggies.

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### Final Thoughts

**Caramelized Red Onions with Balsamic Glaze** are a simple yet elegant way to elevate your meals. The combination of sweet, tender onions and rich balsamic glaze adds depth and complexity to everything from burgers to roasted vegetables. Whether you’re serving them as a topping or using them as a side, this dish is sure to impress. With its ease of preparation and versatility, it’s a great recipe to keep in your culinary arsenal. Try it today and add a burst of flavor to your next meal!