Tennessee Onions

Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow onions work best)
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
– 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
– Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

—

Optional Additions:
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
– 1-2 cloves garlic, minced, for added depth of flavor.
– A splash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
– Fresh thyme or rosemary for herbal notes.
– Crumbled bacon for an extra savory touch.
– Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese can add a creamy richness.
– A splash of white wine to enhance the caramelization process.

—

Tips for Success:
Slice onions evenly: For uniform cooking and a smooth texture, slice the onions into even rings or half-rings.
Use sweet onions: Sweet onions, like Vidalia, bring out the best flavors in this dish, as they caramelize beautifully without being too sharp.
Low and slow cooking: Caramelizing onions requires patience, so cook them over low to medium heat to achieve a deep, sweet flavor without burning.
Don’t rush the glaze: Allow the glaze to simmer and thicken before serving to ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
Taste and adjust: Depending on the sweetness of your onions, you may need to adjust the sugar or vinegar to balance the flavor to your liking.