Name: Anthony Bourdain's Creamed Pearl Onions
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds pearl onions; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 0.25 cup all-purpose flour; 2.67 cups whole milk; 6 sage leaves (finely chopped); 0.5 teaspoon thyme (finely chopped); Kosher salt; Black peppercorns for seasoning

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If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that will warm your heart and home this winter, then look no further than Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter. This recipe is not just about the deliciousness; it’s about sharing warmth and comfort with those you love. With its creamy texture and savory flavors brought to life by sage and thyme, it’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering.

These creamed pearl onions have been a staple on many Thanksgiving tables, reminding us of the joy of tradition. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare! You’ll find that they are perfect for any occasion where comfort food is needed. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this beloved recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: This dish comes together in just over an hour, making it ideal for weeknight meals or last-minute gatherings.
Deliciously comforting: The creamy béchamel sauce envelops the pearl onions, creating a rich flavor that everyone will adore.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy these tender onions bathed in savory goodness!
Versatile: Perfect as a side for any main dish, these creamed onions complement everything from roasted veggies to hearty grain bowls.
Make-ahead option: Prepare this dish in advance and simply reheat before serving—perfect for holiday feasts!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things simple! You only need a few wholesome ingredients to create this delightful dish. Gather these items to get started on Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter.

For the Creamed Onions

Kosher salt
2 pounds pearl onions
2 teaspoons black peppercorns (plus ground pepper for seasoning)
2 bay leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
2.67 cups whole milk
6 sage leaves (finely chopped)
0.5 teaspoon thyme (finely chopped)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

Add some cheese: Stir in some shredded cheese like Gruyère or Parmesan to the béchamel sauce for an even cheesier experience.
Include vegetables: Toss in some blanched green beans or cauliflower florets for extra nutrition and color.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little kick!
Herb swap: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley to change up the flavor profile.

How to Make Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that’s heating up, set up an ice water bath nearby. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Toss in your pearl onions and blanch them just until their skins loosen—this should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Quickly transfer them to the ice bath using a slotted spoon. This cooling step stops the cooking process and makes peeling super easy! After they’ve cooled down, drain them and pat dry. Cut off the root ends and gently pinch off those slippery skins.

Step 2: Simmering the Onions

Next, return to your saucepan with fresh water. Add in the black peppercorns and bay leaves, then bring it back to a boil. Once boiling, add your peeled pearl onions and simmer over moderately high heat until they’re just tender—this usually takes about 5 to 8 minutes. Make sure not to overcook them; we want them firm but tender enough so they soak up all that delicious sauce later! Once done, drain well again and pat dry before transferring them into a 9- x 13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

In another medium saucepan, melt those four tablespoons of butter over moderately low heat. Add your flour right away and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until it bubbles and starts changing color—about three minutes should do it! Gradually whisk in the whole milk while continuing to stir; this helps avoid lumps. Keep simmering until your sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon without any raw flour taste lingering—this typically takes around five minutes. Now stir in those finely chopped sage leaves and thyme; season generously with salt and ground pepper for extra flavor!

Step 4: Combine & Bake

Pour that beautiful béchamel sauce over your prepared pearl onions in the baking dish. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until bubbling away and just starting to brown at the edges—trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly! Once out of the oven, let it stand for five minutes before digging in!

And there you have it—Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter is ready to warm hearts around your table all season long! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

Making this dish is a delightful experience, so here are some tips to ensure your creamed pearl onions turn out perfectly!

Choose the right onions: Opt for fresh pearl onions that are firm and free of blemishes. Freshness impacts flavor and texture, making your dish more enjoyable.
Don’t rush the peeling process: Taking your time to properly peel the onions ensures they remain whole during cooking. This helps preserve their shape and enhances the visual appeal of your final dish.
Use whole milk for creaminess: For a rich and luxurious béchamel sauce, stick with whole milk. It provides the perfect balance of creaminess without being overly heavy.
Season generously: While salt and pepper are essential, don’t hesitate to adjust seasoning to your taste as you go. Seasoning at different stages builds layers of flavor that make your dish truly stand out.
Let it rest after baking: Allowing the dish to sit for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven allows flavors to meld together and makes serving easier. The resting time can also help thicken the sauce slightly.

How to Serve Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

These creamed pearl onions are not only delicious but also visually stunning! Here are some ways to present them beautifully on your table.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle some extra chopped sage or thyme on top just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
A drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the richness of the dish while adding a glossy finish.

Side Dishes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic complement the buttery sauce of the creamed onions, making them a perfect pairing.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts adds depth and balances out the richness of the onions.
Herb-Infused Quinoa: Lightly seasoned quinoa cooked with herbs offers a nutritious base that contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the onions.
Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: A bright, refreshing salad will cut through the richness of this dish, providing a lovely contrast that enhances your meal.

These suggestions will elevate your dining experience, making each bite memorable. Enjoy creating warmth in your kitchen with these delightful creamed pearl onions!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a comforting side dish any day of the week. Making it ahead means you can savor its rich flavors without the last-minute rush.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality.

Freezing

Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
Place in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
Freeze for up to 2 months. For optimal taste, use within 1 month.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish!

How can I make Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter dairy-free?

You can substitute whole milk with almond milk or another non-dairy alternative. Just ensure your choice works well with cooking.

Can I use frozen pearl onions for Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter?

Yes! Frozen pearl onions can be used directly from the freezer. Just adjust your cooking time as they may require slightly longer to cook through.

What dishes pair well with creamed pearl onions?

Creamed pearl onions make an excellent accompaniment to roasted meats, hearty grain bowls, or even vegetarian options like mushroom risotto.

How do I know when the pearl onions are properly cooked?

The pearl onions should be tender but not mushy; they should easily pierce with a fork but retain their shape.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing and sharing Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions this winter! This comforting recipe not only warms your kitchen but also fills your home with wonderful aromas that invite warmth and togetherness. Enjoy making this delicious side dish, and let it bring a little extra love to your table. Happy cooking!

Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re searching for a comforting side dish that radiates warmth and love, look no further than Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions. This delightful recipe features tender pearl onions enveloped in a rich and creamy béchamel sauce, seasoned with aromatic sage and thyme. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or festive family gatherings, bringing a touch of elegance and comfort to your table. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to pair with a variety of mains, these creamed pearl onions are sure to become a favorite at your holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds pearl onions
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
2.67 cups whole milk
6 sage leaves (finely chopped)
0.5 teaspoon thyme (finely chopped)
Kosher salt
Black peppercorns for seasoning

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare an ice water bath.
Boil a large pot of salted water; blanch the pearl onions for 1-2 minutes until skins loosen. Transfer to ice water, cool, peel.
In fresh boiling water with black peppercorns and bay leaves, simmer peeled onions until tender (5-8 minutes). Drain.
For the béchamel: Melt butter in a saucepan; whisk in flour until bubbling (about 3 minutes). Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened (5 minutes). Stir in herbs, salt, and pepper.
Combine béchamel sauce with pearl onions in a baking dish; bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.