Roasted Sweet Onion Comfit Recipes

ONION CONFIT

Steps:

• Add butter and olive oil to a large skillet and heat over a low flame. Add onions and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, 15-20 minutes. If onions begin to dry out, add a tablespoon of water.
• Add sugar, stir to dissolve, and add vinegar and caraway seeds (if using). Continue cooking over low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are pasty and caramelized, about 15 min.
• Onion confit can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one week.

VIDALIA ONION CONFIT WITH GARLIC TOASTS

Steps:

• Position an oven rack 4 inches below the broiler element and preheat the broiler. To make the toasts, arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush on one side with some of the olive oil. Broil until brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the toasts and broil the other side. Remove the toasts from the oven and while warm, rub one side of each toast with the cut surfaces of the garlic clove. Transfer to a rack to cool.
• To make the confit, heat the butter and remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the wine is reduced and the onions are a deep golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes more. Add the thyme; taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
• To serve, place the reserved toasts on a large serving platter and top each piece with a spoonful of confit. Garnish each with a sprig of thyme.
• making ahead
• The toasts can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. The confit can also be made ahead and will actually improve as the flavors marry. Refrigerate the confit in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• storing onions
• Onions need circulating air to stay fresh. Vidalia onions are particularly tricky due to their high sugar content. One of the best ways to store Vidalia onions is in the cut-off legs of pantyhose: drop an onion down the leg, tie a knot, and repeat. Hang the onion-filled hose from a hook in a cool, dry place. They will keep for months. Alternatively, wrap them separately in paper towels and refrigerate.

DAVID TANIS'S ONION CONFIT

Steps:

• Cut onions in half from top to bottom (not crosswise). With a paring knife, peel each onion half. Lay each onion half flat side down. Holding the knife at a slight angle, cut away and discard the hard root end. Using a sharp knife, cut into 1/4-inch half-moons.
• Put a large heavy-bottomed pot, preferably enameled cast iron, over medium-high heat. Melt butter, then add all the sliced onions and stir to coat. Sprinkle with sugar and season generously with salt and pepper. Continue stirring until onions begin to wilt and soften, without browning, about 5 to 8 minutes.
• Add bay leaves, thyme, cayenne, vinegar and wine. Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until onion mixture is quite soft and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove and discard bay leaves and thyme. Serve warm.

ROASTED SWEET ONION COMFIT

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8- by 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
• Cut the onions so they are in bite-size, manageable lengths for eating with a fork. Place them in a mixing bowl.
• Add the oregano, allspice, salt, pepper and vinegar. Toss, using a fork or your fingers, until the onions are evenly coated. Add the oil and toss again.
• Arrange the onions in the prepared baking dish. Pour in the broth. Cover the pan with foil.
• Bake the onions 60 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with sugar. Bake 30 minutes longer, or until the onions are soft and browned, and most of the liquid has evaporated. Cool completely.
• Serve with roasted or grilled meats and poultry, or with fish. These onions keep tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days.