Anthony Bourdain's Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that wraps around you like a warm blanket, then Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter is just what you need! This delightful recipe combines the tender sweetness of pearl onions with a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Served as a side or even as a main event, these creamed onions are sure to impress family and friends alike.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility; it shines on the Thanksgiving table while also being an easy choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a touch of warmth and comfort to any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: The savory blend of sage and thyme elevates the humble pearl onion into something truly special.
• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner, these creamy onions will be a hit at any table.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare them in advance, then pop them in the oven before serving!
• Family-approved: Even picky eaters will appreciate the delicious flavors and creamy texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! You’ll see that these are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Let’s check what you need for Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter:

For the Onions

• Kosher salt
• 2 pounds pearl onions
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns (plus ground pepper for seasoning)
• 2 bay leaves

For the Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 2.67 cups whole milk
• 6 sage leaves (finely chopped)
• 0.5 teaspoon thyme (finely chopped)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to customize your creamed pearl onions:

• Add cheese: Stir in some grated parmesan or cheddar for an extra cheesy twist.
• Go green: Toss in some steamed spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little kick.
• Herb swap: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley if you have them on hand.

How to Make Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

Step 1: Prep the Onions

First things first—let’s prep those pearl onions! Preheat your oven to 375°F and set up an ice water bath nearby. Boil some water with kosher salt, and blanch the pearl onions just until their skins start to loosen—about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it makes peeling them so much easier! Once they’re ready, cool them off in the ice bath, drain, and pat dry before trimming off those pesky root ends.

Step 2: Simmer the Onions

Now we want those peeled onions tender but not mushy. Add peppercorns and bay leaves to your saucepan filled with fresh water and bring it back to a boil. Toss in those beautiful pearl onions and simmer them for about 5 to 8 minutes. This infuses more flavor while ensuring they maintain their shape!

Step 3: Make the Bechamel Sauce

In another saucepan over moderate low heat, melt your butter until bubbly. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously—this creates our roux! Keep stirring until it turns slightly golden (about 3 minutes). Gradually whisk in whole milk until you’ve got a smooth sauce thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—this can take around 5 minutes. Stir in chopped sage and thyme before seasoning generously with salt and ground pepper.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Now comes the best part! Pour that luscious bechamel sauce over your pearl onions placed in a baking dish. Spread it evenly so every onion gets coated in that creamy goodness. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes until it bubbles up nicely and starts browning at the edges—just heavenly! Allow them to stand for about 5 minutes before serving; this will help everything settle nicely.

And there you have it—a comforting dish that brings warmth right into your home! Enjoy every creamy bite of Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions this winter!

Pro Tips for Making Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

Making this dish is all about embracing the warmth and comfort it brings, so let’s ensure your creamed pearl onions turn out perfectly!

• Choose Fresh Pearl Onions: Opt for firm, small pearl onions without blemishes. Fresh onions will have a sweeter flavor and better texture, enhancing the overall dish.

• Use Ice Bath for Easy Peeling: After blanching, immediately placing the onions in an ice bath not only stops the cooking process but also makes peeling them a breeze—no more frustrating slips and slides!

• Don’t Rush the Bechamel: Take your time when making the bechamel sauce. Allowing it to simmer until thickened ensures that all flavors meld beautifully, giving you that rich and creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.

• Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning your sauce well with salt and freshly ground pepper. This enhances the flavors of both the onions and herbs, making every bite a delight.

• Let It Rest After Baking: Allowing your dish to stand for 5 minutes after baking helps the sauce settle and thicken slightly. This makes serving easier and allows for richer flavors as they develop during resting time.

How to Serve Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

This delightful dish can be showcased in various ways that enhance its comforting nature. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a festive gathering, here are some ideas for presenting your creamed pearl onions beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Chopped Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional thyme on top not only adds color but also a bright flavor contrast.
• Grated Parmesan or Vegan Cheese: A light dusting of cheese before serving gives a wonderful umami kick and an appealing look to your dish.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or squash provide a colorful addition and complement the creamy texture of the pearl onions.

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a hearty base that pairs wonderfully with the soft sweetness of the pearl onions.

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, bell peppers, and lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the creamed onions.

• Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add a lovely crunch and provide contrasting flavors that round out your meal beautifully.

With these serving suggestions and tips in hand, you’re ready to create a warm and inviting experience centered around Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance, making it a hassle-free addition to your dinner table. Here’s how to store and handle leftovers effectively.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days for the best flavor.

Freezing

• Freeze the creamed pearl onions in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Ensure you leave some space at the top of the container, as the sauce may expand when frozen.
• Use within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Got questions about Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions? Here are some common inquiries answered!

Can I use frozen pearl onions for Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions?

Yes! Frozen pearl onions work perfectly. Just add them directly to the boiling water without thawing first.

How can I make Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions healthier?

You can substitute whole milk with low-fat or plant-based milk. This will reduce calories while still keeping its creamy texture.

What should I serve with Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions?

These delicious creamed pearl onions pair wonderfully with roasted meats, vegetarian dishes, or as part of a festive holiday spread.

Can I add other vegetables to Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bring this comforting dish into your kitchen! Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions are not just a side dish; they embody warmth and nostalgia that makes any meal special. Enjoy creating this delightful recipe and share it with loved ones around your table. Happy cooking!