Caramelised French Onion Pasta is a dish that combines the rich, sweet flavors of caramelized onions with the comforting texture of pasta. The inspiration comes from French onion soup, known for its deeply caramelized onions and rich broth. Here’s a general idea of how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti work well)
- Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown. This process can take about 20-30 minutes.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the onions about halfway through to help with caramelization.
- Add Garlic and Deglaze:
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- If using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it cook off for a couple of minutes.
- Add Broth and Balsamic Vinegar:
- Add the beef or vegetable broth and balsamic vinegar to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the heavy cream to the onion mixture, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- For an extra rich flavor, use a mix of different onions, such as yellow, white, and red.
- You can also add some grated Gruyère cheese on top, similar to French onion soup.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine.