Sweet & Savory: Budget-Friendly Tennessee Onion Side Dishes
Tennessee onions, known for their mild sweetness and affordability, are a fantastic ingredient for creating delicious and economical side dishes. Forget boring sides! With a little creativity, you can transform these humble bulbs into culinary delights that will complement any main course. This article explores several mouthwatering recipes using Tennessee onions, perfect for enhancing your meals without breaking the bank. We’ll provide detailed instructions and tips to ensure your onion side dishes are a resounding success.
## Why Tennessee Onions?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s appreciate what makes Tennessee onions special. Their lower sulfur content results in a sweeter, less pungent flavor compared to other onion varieties. This mildness makes them incredibly versatile, suitable for both raw and cooked preparations. Furthermore, they are readily available in Tennessee and surrounding areas, often at a significantly lower price than imported onions. Supporting local farmers while enjoying delicious food? It’s a win-win!
## Recipe 1: Caramelized Tennessee Onions
Caramelized onions are a classic for a reason. The slow cooking process transforms the onions’ sharp bite into a rich, sweet, and savory flavor that is simply irresistible. They make an excellent topping for burgers, steaks, or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 large Tennessee onions, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
* 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, enhances sweetness)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (optional, for a tangy twist)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Onions:** Peel and thinly slice the Tennessee onions. Uniform slicing is key for even cooking. Aim for slices about 1/4 inch thick.
2. **Heat the Oil:** In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal), heat the olive oil and butter (if using) over medium-low heat. The key is to use low heat to allow the onions to slowly caramelize without burning.
3. **Add the Onions:** Add the sliced onions to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the oil. Season with salt and pepper. The salt will help draw out moisture from the onions, which is crucial for the caramelization process.
4. **Cook Low and Slow:** Reduce the heat to low and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown color and very soft. Be patient! This process takes time, but the result is well worth the effort. Stir frequently at first to prevent sticking, then less frequently as the onions begin to soften and release their moisture.
5. **Add Sugar (Optional):** If desired, sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will enhance their sweetness and create a beautiful glaze.
6. **Deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar (Optional):** For a tangy twist, deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Pour the vinegar into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. The vinegar will reduce and create a delicious, complex flavor.
7. **Serve:** Serve the caramelized onions warm as a side dish or topping. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Don’t rush the process:** Caramelizing onions is all about patience. Low and slow is the key to achieving a deep, rich flavor without burning them.
* **Use a heavy-bottomed skillet:** This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent the onions from sticking.
* **Add a pinch of baking soda:** A tiny pinch of baking soda (about 1/8 teaspoon) can help speed up the caramelization process by breaking down the onions’ cell structure. Be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the flavor.
* **Experiment with different vinegars:** Try using sherry vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even red wine vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
* **Add herbs:** Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage can add a fragrant and flavorful touch to your caramelized onions. Add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
## Recipe 2: Tennessee Onion and Potato Hash
This hearty and satisfying side dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It’s a great way to use up leftover cooked potatoes and showcase the sweetness of Tennessee onions.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 medium Tennessee onions, diced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cups cooked potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Onions and Potatoes:** Dice the Tennessee onions and cooked potatoes into roughly the same size pieces. This will ensure even cooking.
2. **Sauté the Onions:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and translucent. Don’t brown them too much at this stage; you want them to retain their sweetness.
3. **Add the Potatoes:** Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine them with the onions. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
4. **Cook until Crispy:** Cook the hash, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. For extra crispiness, press the hash down into the skillet occasionally to create more surface area for browning.
5. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish the onion and potato hash with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. It pairs well with eggs, sausage, bacon, or as a side dish to grilled meats.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different potatoes:** Experiment with different types of potatoes, such as red potatoes or sweet potatoes, for a different flavor and texture.
* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the hash, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add them along with the potatoes.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Top with an egg:** For a complete meal, top the hash with a fried or poached egg.
* **Add some protein:** Cooked bacon, sausage, or ham can be added to the hash for extra flavor and protein.
## Recipe 3: Tennessee Onion Rings
Who can resist crispy, golden onion rings? This recipe uses Tennessee onions to create a sweeter, more flavorful version of this classic appetizer.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 large Tennessee onions, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 cup milk
* 1 egg, beaten
* 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best)
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Onions:** Slice the Tennessee onions into 1/2-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and soak them in cold water for 15-20 minutes. This will help remove some of the onion’s sharpness and make them more tender.
2. **Prepare the Breading Stations:** Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In the second dish, whisk together the milk and beaten egg. In the third dish, place the breadcrumbs.
3. **Bread the Onion Rings:** Remove the onion rings from the water and pat them dry with paper towels. Dredge each ring in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the ring in the milk and egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat the ring thoroughly with the breadcrumbs, pressing them gently to adhere.
4. **Fry the Onion Rings:** Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the onion rings to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. **Drain and Serve:** Remove the onion rings from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use panko breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which will create a crispier coating.
* **Add seasoning to the breadcrumbs:** Add your favorite spices to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor, such as cayenne pepper, chili powder, or Italian seasoning.
* **Make them gluten-free:** Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
* **Bake the onion rings:** For a healthier option, bake the onion rings in the oven instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
* **Serve with dipping sauces:** Onion rings are delicious served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or aioli.
## Recipe 4: Tennessee Onion and Cheese Tart
This savory tart is a sophisticated and delicious side dish that’s perfect for a special occasion. The sweet Tennessee onions pair beautifully with the richness of the cheese and the flaky crust.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crust
* 2 large Tennessee onions, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss cheese)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pie Crust:** Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the pie crust and press it into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim the edges of the crust and prick the bottom with a fork.
2. **Caramelize the Onions:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, or until they are softened and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper. Follow the instructions for caramelized onions in Recipe 1.
3. **Assemble the Tart:** Sprinkle half of the Gruyere cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the bottom of the pie crust. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the cheese. Top with the remaining Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
4. **Prepare the Egg Mixture:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the onions and cheese in the tart pan.
5. **Bake the Tart:** Bake the tart for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the tart cool for 10-15 minutes before removing it from the tart pan. Garnish with chopped fresh thyme (if using) and serve warm or at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, fontina, or goat cheese.
* **Add other vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the tart, such as mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach. Sauté them before adding them to the tart.
* **Make a mini tart:** Use smaller tart pans to make individual tarts.
* **Use puff pastry:** Use puff pastry instead of pie crust for a lighter and flakier tart.
* **Add bacon or ham:** Cooked bacon or ham can be added to the tart for extra flavor and protein.
## Recipe 5: Grilled Tennessee Onion Blossoms
This impressive and delicious side dish is perfect for grilling season. The Tennessee onion is transformed into a beautiful blossom that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 large Tennessee onion
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Your favorite dipping sauce (BBQ sauce, ranch, etc.)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Onion:** Peel the onion and place it root-side up on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make cuts from about 1 inch from the root down to the cutting board, dividing the onion into quarters. Then, make another set of cuts between the quarters, dividing the onion into eighths. Repeat again to create 16 segments. Be careful not to cut all the way through the root end; you want the onion to remain intact.
2. **Season the Onion:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently separate the segments of the onion and brush the mixture in between each layer, ensuring that it is thoroughly coated.
3. **Grill the Onion:** Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the onion blossom on a piece of aluminum foil and place it on the grill. Grill for 20-30 minutes, or until the onion is tender and slightly charred, being careful not to burn it. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the onion and the heat of your grill.
4. **Serve:** Carefully remove the onion blossom from the grill and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use a sharp knife:** A sharp knife is essential for making clean cuts in the onion.
* **Soak the onion:** Soaking the onion in ice water for 30 minutes before grilling can help it to open up more and become more tender.
* **Add different spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as chili powder, cumin, or oregano.
* **Use a different type of onion:** While Tennessee onions are great for their sweetness, you can also use other types of onions, such as Vidalia onions or Walla Walla sweet onions.
* **Serve with different dipping sauces:** Try serving the onion blossom with a variety of dipping sauces, such as spicy mayo, honey mustard, or blue cheese dressing.
## Conclusion
These five recipes demonstrate the versatility and deliciousness of Tennessee onions. From simple caramelized onions to impressive grilled onion blossoms, there’s a side dish for every occasion and budget. So, next time you’re looking for an affordable and flavorful way to enhance your meals, reach for a bag of Tennessee onions and get cooking! You’ll be amazed at the culinary possibilities.
Enjoy these sweet and savory Tennessee onion side dishes!