Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto

Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of roasted onions with the nuttiness of almond pesto. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or as a side dish for a family dinner.

History

The combination of roasted onions and almond pesto is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The sweet and savory flavors of the onions pair perfectly with the rich and creamy almond pesto, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

0.25 cup whole blanched almonds
1 large clove of garlic
0.25 tsp finely chopped lemon rind
0.25 cup italian parsley leaves
0.75 cup basil leaves
salt and pepper
0.5 cup + 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
0.25 cup freshly grated parmesan
12 to 16 small brown onions, 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter
0.25 cup fresh bread crumbs

How to prepare

Place the almonds on a nonstick baking sheet and roast for 12 minutes, until golden.
Allow to cool.
Coarsely grind the almonds in a food processor.
Add the garlic, lemon rind, parsley, basil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper.
Process until the herbs are finely chopped and the mixture is well-blended.
Add half a cup of olive oil and the Parmesan cheese.
Process until smooth.
Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss the onions with 1 tbsp of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Place the onions in a shallow roasting pan.
Roast in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C), turning them after about 15 minutes.
Continue roasting for a total of 30 to 40 minutes, until the onions are semi-soft.
Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a small sauté pan and add the bread crumbs.
Cook over low heat until the bread crumbs are lightly browned, approximately 8 minutes.
Once the onions are done, remove them from the oven and slice them in half without peeling.
Arrange the onion halves on a serving platter and spoon 1 to 1.5 tsp of pesto onto each half.
Sprinkle with the toasted bread crumbs.
Serve at room temperature.

Variations

Substitute pine nuts for almonds in the pesto for a different flavor.
Add roasted cherry tomatoes to the dish for a burst of sweetness.
Top the dish with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roast the almonds until they are golden brown to bring out their nutty flavor.

- Be sure to turn the onions halfway through roasting to ensure even cooking.

- Toasting the bread crumbs adds a crunchy texture to the dish.

- Serve the dish at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It can also be served as an appetizer with crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the almonds brings out their nutty flavor.

- Sautéing the bread crumbs adds a crunchy texture to the dish.

- Turning the onions halfway through roasting ensures even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use walnuts or pine nuts instead of almonds in the pesto.

- Substitute arugula for basil in the pesto for a peppery flavor.

- Use gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

The almond pesto can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The onions can be roasted ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the roasted onions on a platter and drizzle with extra pesto for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also pairs well with a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium from the onions, parsley, and almonds.

Alergens

This dish contains almonds and dairy (Parmesan cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto is a nutritious dish that is rich in fats, proteins, and vitamins. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or as a side dish for a family dinner. The sweet and savory flavors of the roasted onions pair perfectly with the rich and creamy almond pesto, creating a dish that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her quaint little cottage by the countryside. Margaret was known for her delicious and inventive cooking, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On this particular day, Margaret had planned to make a special dish for lunch – Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto. I had never heard of such a combination before, and I was intrigued by the idea of roasting onions and pairing them with a nutty pesto.

As Margaret guided me through the recipe, I watched in awe as she skillfully prepared the onions, slicing them into thick rounds and drizzling them with olive oil before popping them into the oven. The sweet aroma of the onions filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

While the onions roasted, Margaret showed me how to make the almond pesto. She toasted the almonds until they were golden brown and fragrant, then combined them with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of lemon juice in a food processor. The pesto came together in a matter of minutes, and the vibrant green color was a sight to behold.

When the onions were caramelized and tender, Margaret plated them up and drizzled them with the almond pesto. The combination of flavors and textures was nothing short of magical – the sweet, roasted onions paired perfectly with the creamy, nutty pesto. It was a dish that was both comforting and elegant, simple yet sophisticated.

I couldn't get enough of the Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Margaret graciously shared the recipe with me, and I made a mental note to recreate it for my family and friends back home.

Over the years, I have made Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto countless times, each time bringing a little piece of Margaret's culinary magic into my own kitchen. I have served it at family gatherings, dinner parties, and even potlucks, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility – it can be served as a side dish or a main course, depending on the occasion. I have paired it with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and even pasta, each time discovering new and exciting ways to enjoy it.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day at Margaret's cottage, I am filled with gratitude for the precious gift of friendship and the joy of cooking. The recipe for Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto is not just a collection of ingredients and instructions – it is a memory, a connection to the past, and a celebration of the present.

I am thankful for the people who have shared their recipes with me over the years, for the moments spent in the kitchen creating something delicious and meaningful. And I am grateful for the simple pleasures of good food and good company, the things that bring warmth and comfort to our lives.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, preparing a meal for loved ones, remember the power of a recipe. It is more than just a list of ingredients – it is a story, a journey, a connection to the past and a promise for the future. And who knows, maybe one day you'll create a recipe that will become a cherished memory for someone else, just like Roasted Onions with Almond Pesto has become for me.