| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 10g | 1g | 52g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 30g | 6g | 5g | 0.5g |
One of my all-time favorites, Braised Cipollini Onions with Dried Fruits is a vegetable-based dish that beautifully captures some of the finest qualities of natural produce. A harmonious blend of sweetness and savory flavors, this recipe deeply resonates with my Japanese heritage and Pacific Northwest upbringing.
A Love Letter to the Onion
The uniqueness of this dish lies in its starring ingredient – the cipollini onion. An oft-neglected member of the onion family, cipollinis have a sweetness that is drawn out beautifully when braised. Their flat, round shape and generous size make them absolutely perfect for this method of cooking, leading to an attractive presentation as well as a mouth-watering taste.
Fusion of Flavors
Now, let’s not forget the delightful fusion of flavors Braised Cipollini Onions with Dried Fruits offers; a symphony that is in many ways a microcosm of my own world. Growing up in Seattle with a Japanese culinary background, I’ve been exposed to an eclectic array of flavors. This dish embodies that dichotomy – the sweetness of the dried fruits offset by the savory richness of the cipollini onions, olive oil, and chicken broth.
I am a great believer in the philosophy that fresh, simple ingredients can produce something extraordinary. This recipe delivers on that belief. It brings together unassuming ingredients like onions, dried fruits, honey, and fresh thyme, elevating them to something that’s much more than the sum of their parts – a testament to the magic of good food preparation.
A Symphony of Health Benefits
On top of the sheer delight of taste, this recipe is also a powerhouse of nutritional benefits. Cipollini onions are known for their high concentration of essential antioxidants which help to boost our body’s immune system. The dried fruits in this recipe not only add natural sweetness but also come packed with fiber, essential for good digestive health. The rich olive oil used in braising the onions has several cardio-protective attributes, thanks to its high content of healthy monounsaturated fats. Not to mention the immune-boosting properties of fresh thyme and antioxidant-rich honey. [1]
Do you have a recipe that’s comparable? Or perhaps another dish that pairs well with these Braised Cipollini Onions with Dried Fruits? Similar recipes that come to mind include glazed carrots or roasted root vegetables — the sweetness and warmth of these dishes mirror the flavors found in our featured recipe. As for pairing, something like a hearty roast chicken would work brilliantly.
What You’ll Need
- 24 cipollini onions, peeled
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 cup assorted dried fruits (such as dates, figs, apricots, and cranberries)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 springs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Zest of 1 orange, grated
Method
Step One
Start off by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Once the oven is ready, arrange the peeled cipollini onions in a large baking dish. Drizzle the onions with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step Two
Move onto preparing the braising liquid. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the chicken broth, white wine, and orange juice. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Step Three
To the simmering liquid, add the assorted dried fruits. Continue to simmer until the fruits begin to soften. This typically takes around 5 to 10 minutes.
Step Four
Stir the honey into the simmering liquid until it’s fully dissolved. With the honey incorporated, add the fresh thyme springs, bay leaf, and grated orange zest to the pan and stir once more.
Step Five
Pour the braising liquid and fruit mixture over the prepared onions in the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly covered.
Step Six
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Allow the onions to braise for approximately 45 minutes, or until they are tender and the liquid has reduced.
Step Seven
Once done, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together. Your Braised Cipollini Onions with Dried Fruits are now ready to enjoy.
