While scrolling through Instagram, you must have come across several recipes that incorporate the goodness of caramelised onions. Yes, caramelised onions are back in trend, and for a good reason. This simple yet delicious ingredient has gained a lot of fans owing to its rich, sweet flavour that makes any dish delicious. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a home cook, caramelised onions are a delicious addition to your everyday recipes. Are you looking for ways to add the goodness of caramelised onions to your desi recipes? Well, think no more! Here are 5 easy things you can make with caramelised onions:
Also read: Quick recipe: How to make quick onion jam with caramelized onions
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How to make caramelized onions at home?
Before we get into these easy recipes, let us recap how to make caramelised onions at home. For those who don’t know, first slice 3-4 medium-sized onions into thin slices. Heat some ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat and add the onions. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and stir occasionally. Let the onions cook slowly in their natural sugars and caramelise till they turn golden brown. This will take at least 25-30 minutes. Once it is cooked, let it cool down and it is ready to make your dishes even tastier!
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5 Easy Recipes With Caramelized Onions:
1. Caramelised Onion and Paneer Curry
The most fun way to use caramelized onions is with paneer. Sauté cumin seeds, tomato puree and spices like garam masala, turmeric, coriander and red chili powder in a pan. Add paneer pieces and caramelized onions and cook for five minutes. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with roti! The sweet, rich flavor of onions pairs perfectly with the spicy paneer, making it an easy dish to please your guests. Bonus tip: Top the sabzi with two tablespoons of heavy cream to enhance its flavor!
2. Caramelized Onion Dip
Ditch your regular dips and improve the way you eat chips and nachos with this delicious caramelized onion dip. This dip is easy to make and requires staple pantry ingredients. To make it, caramelize your onions until they turn golden, brown, and sweet. Let them cool completely. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, cream, and a little garlic powder. Gently combine it with the caramelized onions and mix well. Add salt and pepper, and it’s ready! The delicious flavor of the chips pairs perfectly with the mild sweetness of the caramelized onion dip. It’s perfect for your movie nights… or when your friends drop by for an impromptu chat session.
3. Caramelised Onion Paratha
Another great way to enjoy the delicious sweetness of prepared onions, caramelised onion parathas are perfect for your morning breakfast. To make it, make a dough with wheat flour, cumin seeds, ajwain and salt. Add caramelised onions to it and roll the parathas flat. Cook them on a hot pan with some ghee and relish hot! Serve it with tangy raita or spicy coriander chutney and your meal is ready! The caramelised onions add a delicious sweetness and depth to the parathas, making them an irresistible dish.
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4. Caramelized Onion Rice
Are you bored of eating tasteless white rice every day? Then add some caramelised onions to it! Add ghee to a pan and add cumin seeds, bay leaves and cloves and saute till they release their aroma. Add basmati rice and saute it a little before adding water and salt. Cook till the rice is done and then top it with caramelised onions. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve! This rice goes great with spicy curries or any vegetable gravy. Also, it doesn’t take long to prepare, so you can easily make this caramelised onion rice every day.
5. Caramelised Onion Raita
Raita makes the meal complete, right? So why not combine the flavour of caramelised onions with its creamy goodness? In a bowl, whisk plain yogurt till it becomes smooth and add caramelised onions, roasted cumin powder, finely chopped green chillies and salt. Mix well and garnish with coriander leaves. Refrigerate this raita for an hour and serve chilled! The sweetness of caramelised onions, when combined with the tanginess of yogurt, makes for a delicious creamy raita that will leave you and your family asking for more.
Also read: Indian Cooking Tips: How To Make Rajasthani Pyaaz Ki Sabzi For Dinner
Can you think of any other ways to incorporate caramelized onions into your recipes? Let us know in the comments below!