Onions Monaco-style

Onions Monaco-style Recipe - Vegetarian French Dish

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Onions Monaco-style is a classic French dish that features white pearl onions cooked in a flavorful white wine and raisin glaze. This dish is perfect for serving as an hors-d'oeuvre or as a side dish alongside cold meat.

History

The origins of Onions Monaco-style can be traced back to the French Riviera, particularly the city of Monaco. This dish is a popular appetizer in the region and is often served at elegant dinner parties and special occasions.

Ingredients

3 to 4 dozen white pearl onions, peeled
1.5 cups dry white wine
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp salt
pepper
3 lemon slices
2 tbsp tomato paste
1.25 cups sultana raisins
0.25 cups white raisins

How to prepare

Place onions in a skillet along with wine, vinegar, salt, pepper, and lemon slices.
Simmer the mixture until the onions are tender but still have a slight crispness in the center.
Add tomato paste and raisins to the skillet and cook for a few minutes.
Transfer the onions to a separate dish.
Allow the liquid in the skillet to reduce with the raisins until it forms a glaze-like consistency.
Pour the glaze over the onions and refrigerate.
Serve the dish as an hors-d'oeuvre or alongside cold meat.

Variations

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor.
Substitute red pearl onions for white pearl onions for a pop of color.
Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the onions until they are tender but still have a slight crispness in the center for the best texture.

- The glaze should be cooked until it reaches a thick, glaze-like consistency to ensure that it coats the onions evenly.

- For added flavor, you can garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Onions Monaco-style as an appetizer with crusty bread or alongside cold meat for a light and refreshing dish.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the onions in the wine mixture until they are tender but still have a slight crispness in the center.

- Cook the glaze until it reaches a thick, glaze-like consistency to ensure that it coats the onions evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use red wine vinegar instead of white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

- Substitute golden raisins for white raisins if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Onions Monaco-style ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Simply reheat the dish gently before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Onions Monaco-style in a decorative dish garnished with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Onions Monaco-style with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Onions Monaco-style in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Onions Monaco-style contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Onions Monaco-style contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Onions Monaco-style contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Onions Monaco-style contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Onions are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains sulfites from the white wine and may not be suitable for individuals with sulfite allergies.

Summary

Onions Monaco-style is a low-calorie dish that is rich in carbohydrates and vitamins. It is a flavorful and elegant dish that is perfect for entertaining.

Summary

Onions Monaco-style is a classic French dish that is elegant and flavorful. With a sweet and tangy glaze, these white pearl onions are sure to impress your guests at your next dinner party. Serve as an appetizer or alongside cold meat for a light and refreshing dish.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria, who was known for her incredible cooking skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma of onions sautéing in butter.

"What are you making, Maria?" I asked, my mouth already watering.

"Onions Monaco-style," she replied with a smile. "It's a recipe I learned from my grandmother, who learned it from her grandmother. It's been passed down through the generations in my family."

I watched in awe as Maria expertly caramelized the onions to perfection, adding just the right amount of salt and pepper to enhance their flavor. The final touch was a splash of white wine, which added a subtle depth to the dish.

As I took my first bite of the onions Monaco-style, I was transported to a bustling street in Monaco, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean. The sweet and savory flavors danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving more.

"Maria, this is incredible," I exclaimed. "Would you mind sharing the recipe with me?"

Maria smiled and handed me a handwritten card with the recipe scribbled in elegant cursive. "Of course, my dear friend. I know you will make it with love and care, just as I have."

From that day on, onions Monaco-style became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on quiet nights at home. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a connection to Maria and her ancestors who had passed down the recipe with so much love and pride.

Over the years, I added my own personal touches to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices to make it my own. But no matter how many variations I tried, the essence of onions Monaco-style remained the same - a simple yet elegant dish that never failed to impress.

As I shared the recipe with friends and family, they too fell in love with its unique flavor profile. I would often receive requests for the recipe, which I happily obliged, knowing that it would bring joy and comfort to those who made it.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit me, her eyes wide with curiosity as she watched me prepare onions Monaco-style in the kitchen. She had always been fascinated by my culinary skills and was eager to learn the secrets behind my delicious dishes.

"Grandma, can you teach me how to make onions Monaco-style?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

I smiled and handed her the handwritten card that Maria had given me so many years ago. "Of course, my dear. This recipe has been passed down through the generations, and now it's your turn to carry on the tradition."

Together, we chopped the onions, melted the butter, and sautéed them to perfection. I watched with pride as my granddaughter added the salt, pepper, and white wine, following the recipe with precision and care.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I saw a spark in my granddaughter's eyes - a spark of connection to her heritage and a newfound passion for cooking. I knew that onions Monaco-style would have a special place in her heart, just as it did in mine.

In that moment, surrounded by the love and laughter of my family, I realized the true power of a recipe. It wasn't just about the ingredients or the technique - it was about the memories and traditions that were passed down with each bite.

And so, as I watched my granddaughter savoring her first taste of onions Monaco-style, I knew that the recipe would continue to live on for generations to come, bringing joy and comfort to all who had the privilege of making it.