Imagine a side dish so luxurious and festive that it transforms your holiday table from ordinary to extraordinary. These Creamed Onions Merry Christmas are not just a recipe; they're a culinary celebration that will have your guests swooning with every creamy, perfectly seasoned bite. Forget bland vegetable sides – this dish is a rich, indulgent experience that combines the delicate sweetness of pearl onions with a velvety cream sauce that whispers pure holiday magic.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pearl onions, peeled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Begin by peeling the pearl onions. To make peeling easier, blanch the onions in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath. This will help the skins slip off more easily.
- Drain the peeled onions and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes foamy and starts to slightly brown.
- Add the peeled pearl onions to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them evenly with butter. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the onions to become lightly golden and slightly softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir carefully to distribute, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce heat to low-medium.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the creamed onions for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the onions are tender but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or nutmeg to suit your preference.
- Transfer the creamed onions to a serving dish and serve hot, preferably as a side dish for holiday meals.
Tips
- Peeling pearl onions can be tricky, so always blanch them in boiling water and then shock in ice water to make skin removal easier.
- Be patient when browning the butter – those golden, nutty notes add incredible depth of flavor.
- Stir constantly when adding cream to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth sauce.
- Don't overcook the onions; they should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Fresh nutmeg makes a huge difference – if possible, grate it fresh for the most vibrant flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated, making it perfect for busy holiday cooking.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
