| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 135 | 5g | 1g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 3g | 2g | 0.17g |
One dish that continues to delight my palate is the Roasted Tropea Onions with Balsamic Vinegar. It’s a simple yet exquisite vegetable dish perfect for any occasion. There’s something sublime about the way the sweetness of Tropea onions pairs perfectly with the sharp, tangy balsamic vinegar taking me back to countless meals around the warm hearth back in the Rocky Mountains.
The Rustic Roots
When you grow up in the wild mountainous expanses as I did you come to appreciate the simple, heartily satisfying taste of rustic foods. This Roasted Tropea Onions with Balsamic Vinegar recipe encompasses that simplicity and rustic charm. If I close my eyes, I could swear I’m surrounded by the smell of pine trees while feasting on wild game and trout caught fresh from the river – all flavored with the piquant aroma of this roasted onion dish.
Health Benefits
But it’s not just the taste and nostalgia that make this recipe a favorite. Tropea onions are a rich source of vitamin C and fibre, helping to boost your immunity and your gut health. The balsamic vinegar, on the other hand, has been linked to improved digestion and lower cholesterol levels. Plus, since the recipe only uses a small amount of olive oil, it’s a low-fat option that’s good for your heart. Lean more about this from Healthline and WebMD.
Recommended Pairings
This roasted onion concoction makes a wonderful addition to many dishes. It complements perfectly the rich flavors of game meats that are my specialty. Yet, it can just as beautifully accompany a simple steak or roasted chicken, adding a gourmet flair to your everyday meals. I often see it paired with hearty Italian dishes due to its distinct Mediterranean flair, making it a versatile choice. If you wish, look at this great article from Bon Appétit on Italian flavor pairing.
So, whether it’s the nostalgia that this dish brings, the health benefits it offers, or versatile appeal, the Roasted Tropea Onions with Balsamic Vinegar is a recipe that holds a special place in my culinary heart. I hope it does the same for you.
What You’ll Need
- 6 large Tropea onions
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating, peel your Tropea onions and cut them into halves.
Step Two
Place the cut onions on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over them, and then sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly. Ensure each piece is well coated.
Step Three
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the onions for about 25 to 30 minutes. They should be tender and have a light golden brown color.
Step Four
While the onions are roasting, prepare the balsamic reduction. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan, add sugar and let it simmer over medium heat. Stir consistently until sugar is dissolved and the vinegar reduces to a syrup-like consistency, it should take around 10-15 minutes.
Step Five
Once the onions are nicely roasted, remove the tray from the oven. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the onions evenly, and then sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves.
Step Six
Return the tray to the oven and let the onions roast for another 5 minutes. This will help them to absorb the balsamic reduction.
Step Seven
Once done, remove the onions from the oven. They can be served warm or at room temperature, as per your preference.
Step Eight
Enjoy your Roasted Tropea Onions with Balsamic Vinegar as a side dish or as a part of your main course.
