Sweet & Savory Potato Onion Candy: An Easy & Delicious Dish!
Are you craving something that’s both comforting and exciting? Look no further! This Sweet & Savory Potato Onion Candy recipe is a culinary adventure that’s surprisingly simple to create. Don’t let the name fool you; there’s no actual candy involved in the traditional sense, but the caramelized onions and potatoes, often combined with a touch of sweetness, create a flavor profile that’s addictive and memorable. This dish is incredibly versatile, working as a side dish, a light main course, or even a unique brunch offering. It’s a fantastic way to elevate humble ingredients like potatoes and onions into something truly special.
This particular rendition of potato onion candy includes an optional, completely safe, and playful addition: crumbled hard candies! Think butterscotch, Werther’s Originals, or even those individually wrapped caramel squares. These aren’t meant to overpower the dish, but rather add delightful bursts of sweetness and a touch of unexpected texture. The candies melt and caramelize slightly, creating pockets of intense flavor that complement the savory notes of the potatoes and onions perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is your chance to experiment! If you prefer a more classic take, simply omit the candy. Both versions are equally delicious. Let’s dive in!
**Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and basic cooking skills. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
* **Versatile:** Adapt the recipe to your liking. Use different types of potatoes or onions, add herbs and spices, or adjust the level of sweetness.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Potatoes and onions are staples in most kitchens and are relatively inexpensive, making this dish a great option for those on a budget.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique flavor combination and comforting texture.
* **Customizable Sweetness:** Control the level of sweetness by adjusting the amount of candy you add (or omitting it entirely!).
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes work well), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
* 2 large onions (yellow or white), thinly sliced
* 4 tablespoons butter or olive oil (or a combination)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
* 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
* Approximately 6-8 hard candies (butterscotch, caramel, Werther’s Originals), unwrapped and coarsely crushed (optional)
* Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)
**Equipment:**
* Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Spatula or wooden spoon
**Instructions:**
**Preparation (15 minutes):**
1. **Prepare the Potatoes:** Wash, peel (if desired, leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients), and cut the potatoes into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Consistent sizing is crucial for even cooking. Place the cubed potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning while you prepare the other ingredients. This also helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier potatoes.
2. **Prepare the Onions:** Peel the onions and slice them thinly. The thinner the slices, the faster they will caramelize and become tender. Aim for uniform slices for even cooking.
3. **Crush the Candies (Optional):** If you’re using candies, unwrap them and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Use a rolling pin or a meat mallet to crush them into small pieces. You don’t want them to be pulverized into powder, but rather small, chunky fragments.
4. **Gather Your Ingredients:** Make sure you have all the ingredients measured and ready to go. This will streamline the cooking process and prevent you from scrambling for something mid-recipe.
**Cooking (30-40 minutes):**
1. **Sauté the Onions:** Heat the butter or olive oil (or a combination) in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering (or the oil is heated), add the sliced onions. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This process can take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes. Be patient and don’t rush it! The caramelized onions are the foundation of the dish’s flavor. If the onions start to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon of water or broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add even more flavor.
2. **Add the Potatoes:** Drain the potatoes well and add them to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Stir to combine and coat the potatoes with the butter/oil and onions.
3. **Season and Cook:** Season the potatoes and onions with salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using). Stir well to ensure even distribution of the seasonings. Add the water or vegetable broth to the skillet. This will help to steam the potatoes and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
4. **Cover and Simmer:** Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the potatoes and onions for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the skillet seems dry, add another tablespoon or two of water or broth.
5. **Uncover and Crisp (Optional):** If you prefer your potatoes to be crispy, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are browned and slightly crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
6. **Add the Crushed Candy (Optional):** Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the crushed candy evenly over the potatoes and onions. Gently stir to distribute the candy pieces. The residual heat will melt the candy slightly, creating pockets of sweet and gooey goodness. Be careful not to overstir, as the candy can become sticky and clump together.
**Serving (5 minutes):**
1. **Garnish:** Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
2. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Sweet & Savory Potato Onion Candy hot as a side dish, a light main course, or a brunch item.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Potato Variety:** Experiment with different types of potatoes to find your favorite. Yukon Gold potatoes are known for their creamy texture, while Russet potatoes are more starchy and will brown nicely. Red potatoes hold their shape well and are a good option if you want a firmer texture.
* **Onion Variety:** Yellow onions are the most common and versatile, but you can also use white onions for a milder flavor or red onions for a sweeter flavor.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, or oregano are all great additions. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat.
* **Cheese:** Sprinkle grated cheese over the dish before serving for an extra layer of flavor. Cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, or mozzarella are all good choices.
* **Meat:** Add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to the dish for a heartier meal.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan:** This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply use olive oil instead of butter.
* **Sweetness Level:** Adjust the amount of brown sugar or crushed candy to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dish, omit them altogether.
* **Candy Options:** Feel free to experiment with different types of hard candies. Butterscotch and caramel are classic choices, but you can also try cinnamon, peppermint, or even fruit-flavored candies. Just be mindful of the flavor profile and how it will complement the other ingredients.
* **Make-Ahead:** The potatoes and onions can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before adding the crushed candy (if using) and serving.
* **Crispier Potatoes:** For extra crispy potatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After simmering the potatoes and onions on the stovetop, transfer them to an oven-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
* **Salt Type:** Consider using kosher salt instead of table salt. Kosher salt has a coarser texture and dissolves more evenly, resulting in a more balanced flavor.
* **Acidic Element:** A splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar towards the end of cooking can add a welcome tang and balance the sweetness. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** If your skillet is too small, cook the potatoes and onions in batches to ensure even browning and prevent steaming. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and can result in soggy potatoes.
* **Stirring Strategy:** While you don’t want to stir the potatoes constantly (which will prevent browning), occasional stirring is important to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Use a spatula to gently lift the potatoes from the bottom of the pan and redistribute them.
* **Check for Doneness:** The potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and have a slightly creamy texture on the inside. If they are still hard, continue cooking for a few more minutes, adding more water or broth if necessary.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork, or beef.
* Serve as a light main course with a side salad.
* Serve as a brunch item with eggs and bacon.
* Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
* Top with a fried egg for a complete and satisfying meal.
**Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, without candy):**
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 5-7g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 5-7g
* Protein: 3-5g
**Conclusion:**
This Sweet & Savory Potato Onion Candy recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s easy to make, versatile, and budget-friendly, making it a perfect option for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this unique and delicious dish! Whether you choose to add the crushed candy or keep it classic, you’re in for a treat. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when prepared with care and a touch of creativity, can transform into something truly extraordinary. Happy cooking!