Anthony Bourdain's Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and soul, look no further than Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter. This recipe is a beloved classic that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, these creamy pearl onions with sage and thyme are sure to impress your loved ones.

I hold this recipe close to my heart because it reminds me of gatherings filled with laughter and warmth—moments where food is the star. The rich bechamel sauce enveloping the tender pearl onions creates an irresistible comfort food experience that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: With just a few easy steps, you can whip up this delightful side dish without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the creamy texture and subtle flavors, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make this dish ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy stress-free meals during busy weeks.
• Versatile Side Dish: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or regular family dinners, these creamed pearl onions fit right in with any menu.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of sage and thyme adds depth and warmth that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. There’s nothing complicated here—just good food made from scratch!

For the Pearl Onions

• Kosher salt
• 2 pounds pearl onions
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns (plus ground pepper for seasoning)
• 2 bay leaves

For the Bechamel Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 2.67 cups whole milk
• 6 sage leaves (finely chopped)
• 0.5 teaspoon thyme (finely chopped)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add Cheese: Stir in some grated parmesan or cheddar into the bechamel sauce for an extra cheesy twist.
• Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley if you want to switch things up.
• Veggie Boost: Try adding other vegetables like mushrooms or asparagus for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk.

How to Make Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

Step 1: Prepare the Pearl Onions

First things first—let’s get those pearl onions ready! Preheat your oven to 375°F. Set up an ice water bath while bringing a large saucepan of water to boil with 1 tablespoon of salt. Blanch the pearl onions just until their skins loosen, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step helps make peeling super easy! Transfer them quickly to the ice bath to cool down, then trim off the root ends and pinch off those pesky skins.

Step 2: Simmer the Onions

Next, add the peppercorns and bay leaves back into that saucepan of water and bring it back to a boil. Toss in your peeled onions and let them simmer over moderate heat until they’re just tender—about 5 to 8 minutes should do it! Drain well and pat them dry before transferring them into a baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Bechamel Sauce

Now comes the magic part! In a medium saucepan, melt your butter over moderate low heat. Stir in the flour constantly until it starts bubbling gently and turns golden—this smells divine! Gradually whisk in your milk while simmering until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—it usually takes about 5 minutes. Don’t forget to stir in your finely chopped sage and thyme, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine & Bake

Pour that luscious sauce over your tender pearl onions in the baking dish. Bake everything together for about 20 minutes until it’s bubbling and slightly browned around the edges—your kitchen will smell heavenly! Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving so those flavors meld beautifully.

With each bite of Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter, you’ll savor not just delicious flavors but also fond memories shared around the table. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

Making this comforting dish can be a breeze with a few helpful tips!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh pearl onions and herbs will enhance the flavors significantly, making your dish taste even more delightful.

• Don’t rush the bechamel – Taking the time to cook the flour until it bubbles ensures a smooth sauce. This step prevents any raw flour taste from sneaking into your creamed onions.

• Experiment with seasonings – While sage and thyme are traditional, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a hint of garlic powder for an extra depth of flavor that complements the creamy sauce.

• Adjust consistency – If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer before pouring it over the onions. For a creamier texture, you can add a splash more milk during cooking.

• Serve warm – These creamed pearl onions are best served immediately after baking. If you’re prepping ahead, reheat gently to maintain that luscious creaminess.

How to Serve Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

Presenting your creamed pearl onions beautifully can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve this warming dish:

Garnishes

• Fresh chopped parsley – A sprinkle of vibrant green parsley adds color and freshness, balancing the richness of the dish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (or a dairy-free alternative) – A light dusting of cheese enhances the flavor and adds an appealing texture contrast on top.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts – The crispy edges and earthy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts make for a delightful pairing with the creamy onions.
• Garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy garlic mashed potatoes provide a hearty base that complements the luxurious sauce from the onions.
• Quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette – A light and refreshing quinoa salad balances the richness of the creamed dish while adding both texture and nutrition.
• Sautéed green beans with almonds – Crunchy green beans tossed with toasted almonds add a nice crunch alongside the creamy texture of the pearl onions.

With these serving suggestions, your table will be both inviting and delicious! Enjoy sharing Anthony Bourdain’s comforting recipe with family and friends this winter season.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, making it a great addition to your weeknight dinners or holiday spreads. With just a few simple storage steps, you can enjoy these creamy delights throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the creamed pearl onions to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and quality.

Freezing

• Let the cooked dish cool thoroughly.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.

FAQs

Here’s some helpful information about Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter that you might find useful!

Can I make Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute whole milk with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just ensure to use a variety that is unsweetened for the best results.

How long does it take to prepare Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter?

The total time for this recipe is about 75 minutes, which includes preparation and cooking time. It’s worth every minute!

What can I serve with creamed pearl onions?

These delicious onions pair perfectly with roasted chicken, turkey, or even as a side dish for vegetarian meals. They add a creamy richness that complements many main courses.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe warms your heart and home just like it did for Anthony Bourdain. It’s not just a side dish; it’s comfort food at its finest! Enjoy making this delightful recipe for your family and friends. I invite you to try it out and share your experience; I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!