| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
Every time I make Roasted Pearl Onions with Gorgonzola, it takes me back to my childhood in Texas. Pearl onions, with their sweet and slightly peppery taste, are a staple of Southern cooking. The sharp, rich Gorgonzola balances the sweetness of the onions and highlights the flavors further. This, combined with the tang from the balsamic vinegar and the sweetness from the honey, makes for an unforgettable culinary experience.
A Twist in Tradition
It’s wonderful to bring traditional recipes like Pearl Onions, which are deep-rooted in Southern cooking, onto the modern dining table with a creative twist. Incorporating crumbled Gorgonzola is what makes this dish special, infusing the roasted onions with its bold, creamy intensity. I love how the marriage of these two key ingredients creates an adventurous departure from classic onion recipes.
Health Benefits Galore
Beyond its fantastic taste, this dish offers numerous health benefits. It is vegetable-based, providing a good dose of nutrition. Pearl onions, the star of our dish, are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which are beneficial for your immune system. The Gorgonzola cheese, on the other hand, contributes significant amounts of calcium and protein, promoting bone health and muscle growth respectively. Plus, the olive oil used for roasting is a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats. The ingredients together help promote overall health. You can read more about the health benefits of onions here.
Roasted Pearled Onions with Gorgonzola pairs well with grilled chicken or baked fish, honoring the southern tradition of serving sweet and savory sides. Or even try combining it with smoked meats, thereby incorporating my Tex-Mex roots for a delightful treat. This dish also reminds me of the Classic Onion Soup, with onions being the main ingredient and the flavors boosted by a savory component. The Roasted Pearl Onions with Gorgonzola clearly stands its ground as an accompaniment to a hearty main, or even star of the table as the main dish.
Each bite of this dish is a celebration of flavors, a fusion of traditional and modern and a nod towards healthy, hearty eating. Cooking is a way to explore various cuisines and to infuse your own creativity, thereby creating recipes that become a part of your tradition. This, in a shell, is why I love this recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of pearl onions
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 cup of dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or cherries)
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting for the oven to heat up, you can begin preparing the pearl onions. If using fresh onions, peel them by making a small cut on the bottom of each onion and blanching them in boiling water for 1 minute. The peel should then come off easily when rubbed.
Step Two
Lay the peeled onions on a large baking sheet and drizzle them with the olive oil. Season them evenly with the salt and pepper. Ensure all the onions are well coated with the oil and the seasonings by giving them a good mix using your hands.
Step Three
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast them for around 25 to 30 minutes. You can give them a stir every once in a while to ensure they cook evenly. Once they’re golden and slightly caramelized, remove them from the oven to cool.
Step Four
While the onions are roasting, prepare the Gorgonzola sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the Gorgonzola cheese, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Heat this mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted, and the mixture is smooth.
Step Five
Place the roasted onions in a serving dish. Pour over the Gorgonzola sauce and mix until all onions are completely coated.
Step Six
Scatter the dried fruits on top of the onions and then sprinkle with the chopped thyme. Serve immediately while still warm, as a delicious side dish or even as a unique appetizer. Enjoy!
