Creamed Pearl Onions
Creamed pearl onions are a delightful side dish enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds pearl onions Small, sweet onions
- 6 leaves sage, finely chopped Fresh herbs enhance flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme, finely chopped Fresh thyme preferred
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter For making the creamy sauce
- 2 2/3 cups whole milk Provides creaminess
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns For flavoring the onions
- Kosher salt, to taste For seasoning
- Ground black pepper, to taste For seasoning
- 2 leaves bay leaves For simmering with onions
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Thickens the sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Fill a large bowl with ice water and set it aside for cooling the onions.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding one tablespoon of kosher salt.
- Once boiling, add the pearl onions and blanch them for 1–2 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the blanched onions and transfer them to the ice water bath.
- After they cool, drain the onions and pat them dry, then trim the root ends and peel off the skins.
Simmering
- Return the saucepan of water to a boil, adding black peppercorns and bay leaves for flavor.
- Add the peeled onions and simmer on moderately high heat for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Drain the onions thoroughly again and pat them dry before arranging them in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Making the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over moderately low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped sage and thyme, and season generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the arranged onions in the baking dish.
Baking
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes.
- Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Variations can include adding sautéed mushrooms, garlic, or a splash of white wine for added complexity. For best flavor use fresh herbs.