Sweet Onion Puree

Creamy long-cooked onions, a simplified version of classic French onion soubise, are an ideal accompaniment to the savory rack of pork, but they're also great with duck or any other poultry.Plus: More Vegetable Recipes and Tips

Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs
Yield:
8

Ingredients

  • 2 thyme sprigs

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns

  • Pinch of crushed red pepper

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 4 medium onions, coarsely chopped

  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled

  • 1 small baking potato, peeled and cut into large dice

  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sherry vinegar

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Wrap the thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns and crushed pepper in a piece of cheesecloth and secure with kitchen string. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onions, garlic, potato, wine and the herb bundle and bring to a simmer over moderately high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until the onions are very soft, about 2 1/2 hours.

  2. Drain the vegetables, reserving the cooking liquid; discard the herb bundle. Transfer the vegetables to a food processor and puree with 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid and the vinegar. Pass the puree through a sieve, then transfer to a bowl, season with salt and ground black pepper and serve warm.

Make Ahead

The puree can be refrigerated for 2 days. Rewarm over low heat.

Serve With

Pork Rib Roast with Sweet Onion Puree and Crisp Sage Tempura.

Originally appeared: November 2005
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