Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for Tennessee Onions—a sweet and tangy onion side dish that’s perfect for BBQs, grilled meats, or as a savory topping for burgers or sandwiches!
Tennessee Onions
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions (yellow or white), sliced into 1/4-inch rings
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
- Slice the onions into 1/4-inch thick rings and set them aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly.
3. Cook the Onions:
- While the sauce is simmering, heat a large skillet over medium heat. If needed, add a little oil to the skillet to prevent sticking.
- Add the sliced onion rings to the skillet and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and lightly caramelize, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine and Simmer:
- Once the onions are softened, pour the prepared sauce over the onions in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the onion rings in the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the onions to absorb the sauce flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Serve:
- Once the onions are tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: These onions are great as a topping for grilled meats, on burgers, or as a side dish for BBQs.
- Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference.
- Smoky Flavor: Adding smoked paprika will enhance the depth of flavor and give the dish a subtle smoky touch.
These Tennessee Onions are flavorful, slightly tangy, and sweet—an amazing addition to your meal!