I want to share with you not just a recipe, but a symphony of tastes that will elevate your meals from ordinary to extraordinary. I’m talking about the harmonious meld of caramelized onions and mushrooms, which brings depth and richness to any dish with its sweet, savory, and umami-packed profile.
If you’re anything like me, you relish the opportunity to transform basic ingredients into something magical. Caramelizing onions, transforming from a sharp, spicy vegetable into sweet, golden strands of flavor, is nothing short of alchemy. Pair that with the earthy tones of mushrooms, which soak up flavors and add a meaty texture, and you’ve got a combination that’s hard to resist.
How to make caramelized onions and mushrooms
Caramelized onions and mushrooms are a delicious combination of two ingredients cooked together until they develop a deep, rich flavor and a slightly sweet taste.
Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized onions, thinly sliced
- 500 grams of fresh mushrooms, sliced (you can use the white button, cremini, or a medley of your favorite wild mushrooms)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnishing
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large pan. When the butter is melted, add your sliced onions. Toss them around to ensure they’re thoroughly coated in the butter and oil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let the onions cook slowly. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan. This process may take around 30-40 minutes.
- When the onions turn a deep golden brown color, sprinkle over your optional teaspoon of sugar (this helps with caramelization). Stir well.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan and increase the heat to medium. Cook the mushrooms until they’re browned and their moisture has evaporated.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine the caramelized onions and mushrooms.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh thyme leaves, and they’re ready to serve!
Tips for Perfect Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
- Patience is the order of the day. Don’t rush the caramelizing process; keeping the heat low allows the onions’ natural sugars to slowly caramelize without burning.
- Make sure your mushrooms are very dry before cooking, as excess moisture will cause them to steam instead of brown.
- The optional sugar isn’t necessary, as onions have their natural sugars, but it can hasten the caramelization process if you’re in a hurry.
- Substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil for a vegan version.
- The type of mushrooms you use can subtly change the flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with different varieties to observe the change in taste.
What to serve with
Caramelized onions and mushrooms are a versatile pair that can add richness and depth to many dishes. Their sweet and savory flavors are so adaptable that they can enhance everything from the simplest meals to the most elegant entrees. Here are some delicious options on what to serve them with:
Proteins
- Steaks and Burgers: For an instant flavor boost, top your grilled or pan-seared steak with a spoonful of caramelized onions and mushrooms. They also make great toppings for burgers, whether beef, chicken, or plant-based patties.
- Roast Chicken or Turkey: These caramelized beauties can be served alongside or on top of your roast poultry. They complement the natural flavors really well.
- Tofu and Tempeh: For a plant-based option, crisp up some tofu or tempeh and add the caramelized onions and mushrooms for a rich, umami-loaded bite.
Grains and Starches
- Risotto and Pasta: Stir through a creamy risotto or toss with your favorite pasta. A simple dish of spaghetti with garlic, olive oil, and a scatter of caramelized onions and mushrooms can be blissfully delicious.
- Potatoes: Whether topped with mashed potatoes, draped over a baked potato, or mixed into roasted potatoes, this topping is pure comfort food.
- Polenta: A warm bed of soft polenta becomes a luxurious dish with caramelized onions and mushrooms spooned over the top.
Breakfast Dishes
- Eggs: Elevate your breakfast by adding caramelized onions and mushrooms to scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas.
- Toast: Create a fancy toast with caramelized onions and mushrooms atop ricotta or goat cheese smears.
Vegetables and Vegetarian Dishes
- Stuffed Vegetables: They make an incredible stuffing for bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchinis, or portobello mushrooms.
- Pizza and Flatbreads: Use as a topping for a gourmet homemade pizza, flatbread, or focaccia.
Sandwiches and Wraps
- Paninis and Grilled Cheeses: For added sweetness and texture, add caramelized onions and mushrooms to your next panini or grilled cheese sandwich.
- Wraps: Incorporate them into a wrap with fresh greens and a protein of choice for a satisfying lunch.
Salads
- Warm Salad Topping: They’re fantastic when served warm over a spinach or kale salad, especially with a tangy vinaigrette and crumbles of feta or goat cheese.
Soups
- As a Garnish: Use caramelized onions and mushrooms as a topping for pureed soups like potato leek, pumpkin, or a hearty beef barley soup.
Ingredients substitutes
When you’re missing an ingredient, cooking can seem like a challenge, but it can also be an opportunity to employ substitutions and even discover new flavor profiles. In the case of our Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms recipe, here are some handy alternatives for essential ingredients:
Onions:
If you’re out of onions, leeks and shallots can be excellent substitutes. Both offer a similar texture and when caramelized, they develop a pleasant sweetness akin to onions. However, leeks can be milder, while shallots are slightly sweeter and more potent. Opt for a 1:1 ratio if substituting with either of them.
Mushrooms:
While there are many varieties of mushrooms, some can be difficult to find. The good news is that you can substitute any mushroom with another. Portobellos, button mushrooms, or creminis could be used interchangeably. For a stronger flavor, consider shiitake or porcini. Do note that the taste and texture will vary based on the type of mushroom used.
Olive Oil:
If olive oil is not available, you can use other types of vegetable oil. Sunflower, canola, and grapeseed oil make good substitutes, as they all have a delicate flavor that won’t overpower the recipe. Butter can also be used for a richer flavor.
Butter:
If you don’t have butter, double up on the olive oil or margarine or any other type of oil, like coconut or avocado oil. For a dairy-free or vegan alternative, try plant-based butter substitutes.
Sugar (optional):
If you prefer to avoid using sugar, add a balsamic vinegar splash. The vinegar provides the same type of flavor enhancement that sugar brings. Alternatively, you can omit this part completely, as the onions naturally have their sugar content.
Fresh Thyme:
If fresh thyme is not on hand, don’t worry. You may use dried thyme (use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated), rosemary, or even herbes de Provence. A little fresh parsley or chives can also add color and freshness.
Final Thoughts
Cooking is about embracing the transformation of simple, wholesome ingredients into something spectacularly flavorful. This caramelized onions and mushrooms recipe gives you a versatile flavor booster that can embellish many dishes with its sweet, sumptuous tones.
