Glazed Pearl Onions
Sweet and savory glazed pearl onions with almonds and raisins, infused with sherry and honey, perfect as a side dish for festive occasions or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pearl onions; cook for 3 minutes to loosen skins.
- Drain and cool the onions.
- Cut root ends from onions. Squeeze onions at stem end to slip out of skins.
- Combine pearl onions, sherry, raisins, honey, water, butter, and thyme in a skillet.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to very low; cover and simmer until liquid evaporates and onions caramelize.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. If you can't find pearl onions, shallots make a good substitute. Ensure the onions are cooked evenly by stirring occasionally while they caramelize. For a nutty crunch, you can toast the almonds before adding them to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
These glazed pearl onions make a delightful side dish, pairing well with roasted meats or a savory vegetarian main course. They also work beautifully as a topping for crostini or alongside a cheese platter. For a complete meal, serve them with No Knead Crescent Rolls for a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the onions mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Glazed Pearl Onions contains roughly 310 calories, with 3g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen pearl onions instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen pearl onions can be used in this recipe. Simply thaw them before cooking. However, fresh onions will offer a better texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry, you can substitute it with white wine or even vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative such as olive oil or vegan butter. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it easy to adapt.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).