How to Caramelize OnionsCaramelizing onions is a great way to bring out their sweetness and can be used as a topping for breads and pizza. What is caramelizing? It is a method of cooking a vegetable slowly until the natural sugars develop a sweet, complex flavor. This is achieved by cooking the onion for a long time over a medium-low heat until they are reduced and turn a golden brown. You can add a sprinkle of sugar to aid the process if you like. Process:
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet with 1 - 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Slice the onion into rings and stir them into a heated sauce pan with olive oil. Cover with a lid and cook over medium heat until wilted - about 10 minutes. Then remove the lid and lower the heat to medium-low, let them slowly caramelize uncovered for about 30 - 45 minutes stiring occasionally to make sure they brown evenly. When down they should be golden brown, very soft and sweet.
This is an easy method and doesn't require much attending, but be sure to keep an eye on them so that they do not burn. If you over-caramelize the onion, you will get a bitter, burned flavor but if you keep your heat low this should not be a problem.
You can caramelize onion slices in advance and they will keep for a few days in your refrigerator ready to be used when you make your pizza. Large pieces of onions, or whole ciopini onions, can be caramelized by roasting them in the oven. You can just toss them in with a roast and they will caramelize right with the meat adding much flavor to the juices.
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