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How To Caramelize Onions

By Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, About.com

Caramelized onions give a rich sweetness to recipes. Find out how simple they are to make.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 40 minutes

Here's How:

  1. Slice onions into 1/4-inch wide rings.
  2. Heat butter or combination of butter and oil in heavy skillet.
  3. Add onions and a small amount of sugar (optional) and slowly cook over medium heat.
  4. Cook until onions are caramel colored, stirring often, 30 to 40 minutes.
  5. For more flavor, add a touch of vinegar at the end of cooking, stirring to deglaze the pan.

Tips:

  1. Large, mild-flavored onions work best.
  2. Caramelized onions can be frozen in an airtight container up to three months.
  3. To remove onion smell from hands, wash with soap and then rub hands against a chrome faucet.

What You Need:

  • onions
  • butter
  • vinegar
  • skillet or frypan
  • knife
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