Balsamic-Braised Cipolline Onions with Pomegranate

Sweet cipolline onions braised in balsamic vinegar and red wine until tender and caramelized, finished with creamy crème fraîche and bright pomegranate seeds for a luxurious side dish.

6 servings
55 min

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds cipolline onions or small boiling onions
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Coarse kosher salt
  • cups low-salt chicken broth
  • ¼ cup dry red wine
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon golden brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons crème fraîche or heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Blanch onions in large saucepan of boiling water 1 minute. Drain; cool briefly. Peel and trim, leaving core intact.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions. Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper; sauté until brown, 12 minutes. Add next 4 ingredients; bring to boil. Reduce heat. Cover; simmer 15 minutes. Increase heat; boil until onions are tender and liquid is thickened, stirring often, about 18 minutes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

    45 min

  3. 3.

    Fold crème fraîche into onions (add cranberries, if using). Simmer until sauce coats onions thickly, 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl; sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

    5 min

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