Emma Wilson
Caramelized onions and mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be used as a topping or side for a variety of meals, from steak to burgers to soups and breakfast dishes. The process of caramelization gives the vegetables a rich, sweet, and savory flavor that enhances the taste of any dish they are added to. While the dish requires a bit of patience and time, the result is a delicious and craveable condiment that can be made in advance and frozen for later use. With just a few simple ingredients and a large skillet or pan, anyone can create this flavor-packed side dish or topping to elevate their meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Onions, Mushrooms, Butter, Olive Oil, Salt, Sugar (optional), Water/Wine/Broth/Vinegar, Garlic, Thyme, Honey, Worcestershire Sauce, Pepper |
| Preparation | Slice onions lengthwise, about 1/4-inch wide; slice mushrooms; clean mushrooms with a paper towel; use whole mushrooms and slice at home |
| Cooking Method | Heat butter and oil in a large pan over medium heat; add mushrooms and onions, stirring until combined; season with salt, pepper, and thyme; stir in sauces and honey; sauté for 10-15 minutes; deglaze the pan with wine; continue sautéing until vegetables caramelize and liquid evaporates |
| Cooking Time | 40-60 minutes |
| Serving Size | 1 |
| Calories | 107 |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right onions and mushrooms
Choosing the right onions
Caramelised onions are rich, sweet, and deeply golden brown. They can be used to add flavour and complexity to a variety of dishes, such as soups, dips, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and grilled cheese.
When choosing the right onions for caramelisation, yellow, white, or purple onions are the best options. The number of onions you use is up to you, but two to three onions work well for a large skillet.
Choosing the right mushrooms
Caramelised mushrooms are golden brown with slightly crispy edges and a satisfying, meaty texture. They are a delicious side dish and can be served with steak or pasta.
When it comes to choosing the right mushrooms, you can use any variety, including cremini, white mushrooms, shiitake, oyster, portobello, porcini, or baby bella. It is important to note that the thicker the mushroom is sliced, the longer it will take to caramelise. Additionally, avoid rinsing or submerging the mushrooms in water to clean them, as this can affect the caramelisation process. Instead, use a damp cloth to remove any dirt.
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Preparing the onions and mushrooms
Selecting the Ingredients:
For onions, yellow onions are a popular choice due to their balanced sweet-savory flavor. You can also use sweet onions like Vidalia for an extra-sweet note or red onions for a darker color and higher sugar content. Just be mindful that red onions can create a slightly bitter taste. As for mushrooms, baby bella mushrooms are a favorite due to their deep flavor and firm texture. Cremini or white mushrooms (button mushrooms) are also excellent options.
Slicing and Cleaning:
Slice the onions lengthwise into thin slices about 1/4-inch wide. Avoid cutting them too thin, as they may burn more easily. For mushrooms, it's best to buy them whole and slice them just before cooking. Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a paper towel instead of immersing them in water, as they absorb liquid easily. Cut the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces or slices.
Pan and Heat:
Use a pan with a large surface area to ensure even cooking. A cast iron or stainless steel pan works well. Heat the pan on medium to high heat, depending on the recipe you follow. Some recipes call for heating the pan first, while others suggest adding the fat or oil first.
Adding Fat or Oil:
Add a drizzle of cooking oil or fat, such as butter or olive oil, to the pan. You can also use a combination of butter and oil, as the oil prevents the butter from burning too quickly. For a richer flavor, consider using duck fat.
Cooking the Onions:
Place the sliced onions in the pan and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a deeper flavor, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of water, broth, wine, balsamic vinegar, or soy sauce, repeating this process several times. Cook the onions until they turn a deep mahogany brown, retaining some texture.
Cooking the Mushrooms:
You can cook the mushrooms separately or with the onions, depending on your preference. If cooking separately, add the mushrooms to the pan and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned. You can also add a small amount of water, cover the pan, and cook until wilted before uncovering and continuing to brown.
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Cooking the onions and mushrooms
First, prepare your onions and mushrooms. Slice your onions lengthwise into thin slices about 1/4-inch wide. Be careful not to cut them too thin, as they may burn more easily. You can also quarter the onion from root to end, peel off the papery skin, and cut out the core before slicing. For the mushrooms, wipe them with a paper towel to clean them (do not immerse them in water, as this will dilute their flavour), then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
Now, heat some butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You can also use ghee, which has a higher smoke point, or a combination of oil and butter. Add your sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on both sides. If you prefer your mushrooms to have golden brown edges, cook them for two minutes per side undisturbed.
Next, add your sliced onions to the pan. You can deglaze the pan with a splash of water, stirring or tossing the pan, and repeating the process until the onions start to turn golden brown. The gradual deglazing of the pan coats the onions in their natural juices, slowly caramelizing and building flavour. You can also deglaze the pan with wine, broth, balsamic vinegar, or soy sauce.
Continue to cook the onions over medium-low heat for about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply browned, soft, and sweet. If the pan looks dry, add a bit more oil as needed.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage if desired. You can also add minced garlic to complement the flavours of the onions and mushrooms. Stir everything together and serve warm, or let it cool to room temperature and then refrigerate.
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Adding flavour
Caramelised onions and mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be used to add flavour to a variety of meals. The sweetness of the caramelised onions and the earthiness of the mushrooms create a rich, savoury flavour that complements many dishes.
When choosing your onions, yellow onions are the go-to for caramelising as they provide a balanced sweet-savoury flavour. However, sweet onions like Vidalia will give an extra-sweet flavour, and red onions have a higher sugar content and will give a darker colour.
For the mushrooms, baby bella mushrooms are a popular choice for their deep flavour and firm texture. White mushrooms (button mushrooms) or cremini mushrooms are also good options and will provide a milder taste.
To enhance the flavour of your dish, you can add various ingredients. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage can be added for an aromatic touch. Garlic is another great addition, providing a savoury kick. To further boost the savoury notes, you can add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce. For a touch of sweetness, honey can be drizzled into the mix. Deglazing the pan with liquids like wine, broth, balsamic vinegar, or soy sauce can also add flavour.
The combination of these ingredients creates a complex flavour profile that is tangy, sweet, and savoury. This versatile dish can be made in advance and frozen, ready to be used as a topping or side dish to elevate your meals.
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Serving suggestions
Caramelised onions and mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as a topping or side to a variety of meals. Here are some specific serving suggestions:
Burgers
Caramelised onions and mushrooms can be used as a topping for burgers, adding a savory, sweet, and rich flavor. This combination works well with grilled peaches and chipotle onion jam.
Steak
The dish also pairs well with steak as a side or topping. For an extra burst of flavor, try deglazing the pan with a splash of Worcestershire sauce before serving with your steak.
Pizza
Try adding caramelised onions and mushrooms to a rustic pizza with goat cheese and balsamic reduction. The sweetness of the onions and mushrooms will complement the goat cheese and balsamic flavors.
Chicken
This combination can also be served as a side or topping for chicken dishes. It goes especially well with Baked Chicken Caprese, adding earthy flavors to the dish.
Breakfast
Caramelised onions and mushrooms can be a great addition to breakfast dishes, such as omelets, quiche, or simply alongside your morning eggs.
Soups and Stews
Stirring these caramelised vegetables into a soup or stew will add a burst of flavor. Try it with Greek Chickpea Soup or Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup for a hearty and savory meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Caramelizing onions and mushrooms takes longer than you think. The onions alone will take 15-20 minutes on high heat to get a deep mahogany brown color. The whole process of caramelizing onions and mushrooms can take 40-60 minutes.
You can use any mushroom you want. Baby bella mushrooms are a good option for their deep flavor. White button mushrooms, crimini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms are also good options.
Start by caramelizing the onions separately. Slice the onions thinly and lengthwise, then cook them in a cast iron or stainless steel skillet on medium-high heat with some oil or butter. After the onions are caramelized, brown the mushrooms separately in a pan with butter and oil on medium-high heat. Finally, combine the onions and mushrooms, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, fresh thyme, or rosemary.
