Description
Bold & Savory Onion Boil is a comforting and flavorful dish highlighting caramelized yellow onions simmered in a rich broth infused with garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and savory sauces. Perfect for a cozy main course, it delivers deep umami flavors with an easy stovetop cooking method and offers versatile options for vegetarians.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 large yellow onions, peeled and halved
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasonings & Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oils and sauté garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Caramelize onions: Place the halved onions cut side down into the pot and let them brown for about 5-7 minutes without stirring to develop rich caramelization.
- Season onions: Carefully flip the onions, sprinkle the smoked paprika, black pepper, dried thyme, and salt over them, and add the bay leaf to the pot.
- Add broth and sauces: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth along with Worcestershire and soy sauce to deepen the savory flavor.
- Simmer onions: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until onions are very tender and infused with bold flavors.
- Final touches and serve: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot garnished with fresh parsley, optionally alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and substitute Worcestershire sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Adding sliced mushrooms in the last 10 minutes of cooking can add extra umami depth.
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving complements the rich flavors beautifully.
