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How to Make Tennessee Onions:
Slicing the Onions: Start by thinly slicing the onions. A sharp knife works best for this task, and consistent thickness ensures even caramelization.
Caramelization: The key to great Tennessee Onions is patience. Slowly sauté the onions in a mix of butter and vegetable oil over medium heat until they turn translucent and golden brown. This process can take around 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Sweet and Tangy Magic: Once your onions are caramelized, add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water to the skillet. Stir everything together and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the liquid reduces and thickens.
Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re craving a bit of a spicy kick, now’s the time to add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Serve and Savor: Remove from heat, and your Tennessee Onions are ready to steal the show at your meal. Serve them as a side dish to complement grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches.
Variations and Substitutions:
Tennessee Onions are versatile, and you can customize them to suit your taste:
Cheese Lover’s Twist: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese over the caramelized onions just before serving for a gooey, cheesy delight.
Balsamic Glaze: Substitute balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar to create a richer and deeper flavor profile.
Herb-Infused: Enhance the dish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Vegan Option: For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and omit the cheese. The natural sweetness of the onions will shine through.
Tennessee Onions
Ingredients:
4 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: a dash of hot sauce for some heat
Instructions:
In a large skillet, melt the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them until they become translucent and start to caramelize, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Once the onions are nicely caramelized, add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water to the skillet. Stir everything together.
Reduce the heat to low and let the onions simmer for another 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the liquid will reduce and thicken.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, you can add a dash of hot sauce at this point.
Remove from heat, and your Tennessee Onions are ready to serve!
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