Imagine a side dish so luxurious and flavorful that it transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary journey. These Grilled Onions with Thyme and Cream are not just a recipe – they're a gastronomic revelation that will elevate your cooking skills and impress even the most discerning food lovers. With a perfect balance of smoky, caramelized onions and a velvety cream sauce, this French-inspired dish promises to be the star of your next meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel the 4 large onions and slice them into thick rings, about 1/2 inch thick. This thickness will help them hold their shape during grilling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced onions with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss well to ensure that all the onion rings are evenly coated with the oil.
- Season the onions with salt and pepper to taste, and add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Toss again to distribute the seasoning evenly among the onions.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn down until they are covered with ash and glowing. For a gas grill, simply turn it on and let it heat up for about 10 minutes.
- Once the grill is ready, place the onion rings directly on the grill grates. Grill the onions for about 10 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- While the onions are grilling, prepare the cream sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow the cream to heat gently, stirring occasionally to prevent it from scorching.
- As the cream heats, season it with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of thyme for extra flavor if desired. Let the cream simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Once the onions are grilled to your liking, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the warm cream sauce over the grilled onions, allowing it to pool around them.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired, and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your delicious grilled onions with thyme and cream as a side dish or as part of a main course.
Tips
- Choose the right onions: Large, firm onions work best for grilling. Look for sweet varieties like Vidalia or Spanish onions for maximum flavor.
- Slice consistently: Ensure all onion rings are cut to the same 1/2 inch thickness to guarantee even cooking and beautiful presentation.
- Oil and season generously: Don't be shy with olive oil and seasoning – this is key to developing deep, rich flavors.
- Grill temperature matters: Medium-high heat is crucial. Too hot, and you'll burn the onions; too cool, and they'll steam instead of caramelizing.
- Watch the cream sauce: Stir frequently and keep the heat low to prevent scorching. The sauce should thicken but not boil.
- Serve immediately: These onions are best enjoyed hot, with the cream sauce still warm and luxurious. Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of white wine to the cream sauce or garnishing with fresh herbs like chives or parsley!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 601kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 51g
Saturated Fat: 29g
Cholesterol: 120mg
