Sugar-free caramelized onion: how to make it and in which recipes to use it

If you don’t like sugar, can’t tolerate it or don’t consider it healthy, you don’t have to do without caramelized onions, which give dishes a deep and rich flavor. In fact, you can make caramelized onion without sugar perfectly, since sugar is not necessary: onion contains its own healthy sugars that will caramelize if cooked properly.

Some people add honey or agave syrup to speed up the process and obviously get a sweeter taste. But if what interests you is not adding sugar to your dishes, honey and agave are not an option either. Here we give you all the tricks so you know how to make caramelized onion without sugar.

How to make caramelized onion without sugar

All you need are onions (preferably yellow or brown), water, a pinch of salt, a good big cast iron skillet, and a bit of time. The slow cooking is the key of this process so that the natural sugars brown and contribute to a great flavor transformation.

Sugar-free caramelized onion recipe

Take three onions and get ready to chop them. To avoid crying, wear glasses, dip the onions before cutting them, and use the sharpest knife you have.Remove the outer layer of the onions, quarter them and julienne them finely. Heat skillet over medium heat, pour two spoons of olive oil, add the onions and stir. Add a pinch of salt and stir for three minutes until they begin to soften. Lower the heat to a minimum and cook uncovered for about 45 minutes or until onions are very soft, slightly sticky, and a deep golden color. Do not be tempted to increase the temperature to speed up the cooking time. It is very important stir every 3-4 minutes to prevent the onion from sticking to the bottom. If they stick, add a tablespoon of water and scrape off any stuck bits. They are not a problem, because they add more flavor. Lower the heat even more or put the pan on a smaller stove if they are burning too much. When they are almost done, add two tablespoons of water or, better, broth, and let the liquid evaporate. You already have your caramelized onion.

How to preserve caramelized onion

You can use your unsweetened caramelized onion immediately or cool it to room temperature to store in the fridge, where it keeps for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it and use it within a month.

How to use caramelized onion

Caramelized onion without sugar, and in general, is ideal as an ingredient in pizzas, sandwiches, frittatas, soups or stews. Its contribution to the final flavor is spectacular. Caramelizing the onions takes away their spiciness, giving them a much milder, spicier flavor.

The caramelized onion is the perfect complement for:

Topping for mashed potatoes and soupsOnion breadAs a base for a balsamic onion sauceFor vegetable burgers or barbecue saucesIn tapasIn salads

Sugar-free caramelized onion recipe

caramelized onion bread

Onions are available throughout the year. However, its main season, when it is at its sweetest, is May, July, August and September. Those will be the best times to bake onion bread.

Ingredients:

1 packet of dry yeast 250 ml of lukewarm water 500 g of flour 1 packet of baking powder 2 teaspoons of salt 500 g of low-fat fresh quark cheese 2 caramelised onions 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Baking onion bread is not difficult, but it takes some time. The actual preparation is about 15 minutes. But the dough has to rest several times and is then baked for at least 30 minutes.

Elaboration:

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the quark and knead with your hands into a firm dough. Wrap the dough in a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes. After the time has elapsed, add the caramelized onions to the dough. Knead and let it rise again for 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200 ºC with heat above and below. Knead and form a loaf or place in a rectangular mold. Bake the bread in the oven at 200 ºC for about 30-40 minutes.

onion bread it tastes particularly delicious with seasonal vegetable pates.