| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 114 | 7g | 1g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 2g | 1g | 0.44g |
My love for the recipe of Grilled Cipollini Onions with Lemon is deeply rooted in both my culinary heritage and my passion for healthful, delicious food. As a Louisiana native with a French ancestry, the allure of taking humble ingredients and turning them into a masterpiece is something I cannot resist.
In every cuisine, onions play an indispensable role. They form the base of many a dish, providing an aromatic ground upon which to layer additional flavors. However, it’s quite also a delight when the onion takes center stage like in our recipe.
Nutritional Benefits
These Grilled Cipollini Onions with Lemon are not just a treat to your taste buds but are full of nutrients too. Onions are rich in antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation, decrease triglycerides, and reduce cholesterol levels — all of which may lower heart disease risk. Their potent anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce high blood pressure and protect against blood clots. You can read more about the health benefits of onions here.
Combined with the antioxidant power of lemon and the healthy fats in olive oil, this dish is as good for your body as it is for your palate.
Versatility in a Dish
The beauty of this recipe is not only its simplicity but its versatility. They make for a fantastic side dish that pairs well with a variety of mains. You could serve them alongside a juicy steak or with a delicate piece of fish. They also work wonderfully in a hearty vegetarian meal.
For those familiar with French cuisine, this dish is reminiscent of the classic Lard Roasted Onions, with a lightness brought on by the punch of lemon and the sweetness of the Cipollini.
At the end of the day, the Grilled Cipollini Onions with Lemon are an homage to my Creole richness and French elegance. They’re a simple, elegant dish that celebrates the natural flavors of its ingredients in the most delightful manner. And all of that is why, I hope, you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 18 cipollini onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 lemons, cut into halves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Method
Step One
Firstly, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While waiting for the grill to heat up, prepare your cipollini onions by peeling off their skins. This can be made easier by blanching them in boiling water for a few minutes.
Step Two
Once your cipollini onions are peeled, toss them in a bowl along with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Ensure that each onion is evenly coated with the mixture.
Step Three
Arrange the onions on the preheated grill. Cut your lemons in half and place them on the grill as well, cut side down. Allow the onions and lemons to grill for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, you should turn the onions occasionally to ensure they are evenly grilled.
Step Four
Meanwhile, create a glaze by combining the 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in a pan. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it starts to reduce into a thick glaze.
Step Five
After the onions and lemons have finished grilling, remove them from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar glaze over the onions.
Step Six
To finish, squeeze the grilled lemons over the onions to add a fresh citrus flavor. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy these grilled cipollini onions as a delicious and unique side dish.
