Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter is a delightful dish that adds warmth and richness to any table. With its creamy texture and aromatic herbs, this recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. The unique blend of sage and thyme elevates the humble pearl onion into a show-stopping side dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting flavors: The creamy sauce combined with pearl onions creates a rich taste that warms the soul.
- Easy preparation: With simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish without any hassle.
- Versatile side: Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or a weeknight dinner, this recipe fits in perfectly on any occasion.
- Impressive presentation: Baked until bubbly with a slight golden edge, your guests will be drawn to its appealing look.
- Culinary inspiration: Inspired by Anthony Bourdain, this dish pays homage to classic cooking with a modern twist.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools to make your cooking experience smooth.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Ice bath container
- Baking dish (9 x 13 inches)
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large saucepan: Essential for boiling water to blanch the onions quickly.
- Baking dish: Allows for even baking of the creamed onions, ensuring they cook perfectly.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring sauces without scratching your cookware, promoting even cooking.
Ingredients
This classic pearl onion recipe features a few key ingredients that come together beautifully.
For the Onion Base
- Kosher salt
- 2 pounds pearl onions
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns (plus ground pepper for seasoning)
- 2 bay leaves
For the Creamy Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 2.67 cups whole milk
- 6 sage leaves (finely chopped)
- 0.5 teaspoon thyme (finely chopped)
How to Make Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Set up an ice water bath in a large bowl. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
Step 2: Blanch the Onions
Add the pearl onions to the boiling water. Blanch them just until their skins loosen, about 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them directly into the ice bath to cool down quickly. Once cooled, drain them and pat dry. Trim off the root ends and carefully pinch off the skins.
Step 3: Simmer the Onions
Return the saucepan of water back to heat. Add the black peppercorns and bay leaves, then bring it back to a boil. Carefully add the peeled onions and simmer over moderately high heat until just tender, approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Drain well and pat dry before transferring them into your baking dish.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan over moderately low heat, melt butter completely. Once melted, add the flour while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until bubbling and beginning to turn color (about 3 minutes). Gradually whisk in milk and let it simmer while stirring until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon (roughly 5 minutes). Stir in finely chopped sage and thyme; season generously with salt and ground pepper.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Pour the creamy sauce over the prepared onions in your baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes until bubbly and starting to brown around the edges. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy this comforting side dish that embodies warmth and flavor!
How to Serve Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter
Serving Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions can elevate any meal. Their rich, savory flavor pairs well with various dishes, making them a perfect addition to your table this winter.
Classic Holiday Meal
- Turkey: Serve alongside roasted turkey for a comforting holiday spread.
- Stuffing: Pair with a traditional stuffing for added texture and flavor.
Casual Gatherings
- Grilled Chicken: Complement grilled chicken with the creamy onions for a delightful contrast.
- Vegetable Platter: Include these onions on a platter with fresh veggies for a colorful presentation.
Comfort Food Combo
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent side dish.
- Warm Bread Rolls: Offer warm bread rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Perfect Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter
Perfecting this recipe can enhance your cooking skills and impress your guests. Follow these tips to achieve the best results.
- Bold Seasoning: Season generously with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process for depth of flavor.
- Precise Blanching: Ensure you blanch the pearl onions just long enough to loosen their skins, avoiding overcooking.
- Thick Sauce: Whisk the milk gradually into the butter-flour mixture to prevent lumps and achieve a silky sauce.
- Garnish Wisely: Finish with extra sage leaves or fresh herbs for an appealing presentation and added aroma.
Best Side Dishes for Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter
Pairing side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options that complement Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions beautifully.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts add a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with creamy textures.
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, providing a creamy consistency without being heavy.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweetness from honey complements the savory creaminess of the onions.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with herbs brings brightness and balance to your meal.
- Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus adds a delightful crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
- Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf infused with herbs pairs perfectly with rich dishes like these creamed onions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for when making Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions.
- Bold Preparation: Not properly preparing the pearl onions can lead to a frustrating peeling process. Always blanch them first to loosen the skins for easy removal.
- Bold Seasoning: Under-seasoning the sauce is a common mistake. Make sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper in your sauce for maximum flavor.
- Bold Sauce Consistency: Failing to achieve the right sauce thickness can ruin the dish. Ensure you whisk the milk gradually and cook until it coats the back of a spoon.
- Bold Baking Time: Overbaking or underbaking can affect texture. Keep an eye on your onions in the oven; they should bubble and brown slightly at the edges.
- Bold Cooling Time: Skipping the resting period after baking may lead to a less cohesive dish. Let your creamed pearl onions sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it for storage.
Freezing Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring between intervals.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring often, until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions.
How do I peel pearl onions easily?
Blanching pearl onions in boiling salted water loosens their skins, making them easier to peel.
Can I use other herbs instead of sage and thyme?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or parsley based on your preference.
What dishes pair well with Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter?
These creamy pearl onions make an excellent side dish for roasted meats, poultry, or even pasta dishes.
How can I customize this recipe?
You can add cheese like Gruyère or Parmesan for extra richness or include vegetables like spinach for added nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter is not just a delicious side dish but also a versatile addition to any meal. Its creamy texture and rich flavors will surely impress your guests. You can easily customize this recipe by adding different herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy making it!
Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter
Experience the warmth of winter with Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions, a comforting side dish that transforms humble ingredients into a delectable treat. This recipe features tender pearl onions enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce infused with aromatic sage and thyme. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, these creamed onions are not only easy to prepare but also promise an impressive presentation with their golden edges. Whether serving alongside turkey or grilled chicken, this dish will undoubtedly become a favorite at your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pearl onions
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 2.67 cups whole milk
- 6 sage leaves (finely chopped)
- 0.5 teaspoon thyme (finely chopped)
- Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns (plus ground pepper for seasoning)
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare an ice water bath.
- Blanch pearl onions in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes, then cool in the ice bath before peeling.
- Simmer peeled onions in fresh water with black peppercorns and bay leaves until just tender (5–8 minutes), then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat, whisk in flour until bubbling, then gradually add milk while stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in sage and thyme; season with salt and pepper.
- Pour sauce over the onions in a baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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