Introduction
Tennessee onions are a delightful way to showcase the humble onion's versatility. This dish is a regional favorite that brings out the natural sweetness of onions through a simple yet flavorful preparation.
Perfect as a side dish or a topping for meats, Tennessee onions are easy to make and sure to impress. With just a few ingredients, you can transform ordinary onions into a delicious accompaniment that elevates any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Directions & Preparation
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat until bubbling.
- Add the sliced sweet onions to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the butter and oil.
- Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the onions, stirring well to combine.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to the skillet, stirring to coat the onions evenly.
- Continue to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the onions to caramelize and develop a rich color.
- Once the onions are deeply caramelized, stir in the fresh thyme leaves and cook for another minute.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Tennessee onions warm as a side dish or topping.
FAQs
Can I use yellow onions instead of sweet onions?
Yes, but the flavor will be less sweet and may require more sugar.
What should I do if the onions start to burn?
Lower the heat and stir more frequently to prevent burning.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, bell peppers or mushrooms can complement the onions nicely.
What if my onions are not caramelizing properly?
Make sure to cook on medium heat and give them enough time to release their sugars.
How can I adjust this recipe for fewer servings?
Simply halve the quantities of each ingredient.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the onions and reheat them before serving.
Conclusion
Tennessee onions are a simple yet flavorful dish that can enhance any meal. Their sweet and savory profile makes them a versatile addition to your table.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful taste of caramelized onions that are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Recipe Card
Delicious Tennessee Onions for Your Table
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet onions thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat until bubbling.
- Add the sliced sweet onions to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the butter and oil.
- Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the onions, stirring well to combine.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to the skillet, stirring to coat the onions evenly.
- Continue to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the onions to caramelize and develop a rich color.
- Once the onions are deeply caramelized, stir in the fresh thyme leaves and cook for another minute.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Tennessee onions warm as a side dish or topping.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
