Meltingly soft onion slices flavored with lemon zest, bay leaf, and peppercorns are a revelatory accompaniment to grilled and cured meats.

This recipe is part of our fresh spring dinner party menu.
Servings: Makes about 1 quart
Ingredients
  • 1 stick unsalted butter , cut into pieces
  • 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 3 large yellow onions , thinly sliced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 whole black peppercorns
  • 1 strip lemon zest
    • Directions
    In a large saucepan, bring 1/3 cup water to a boil. Whisk in butter and salt until melted. Reduce heat to low and add remaining ingredients; toss gently to coat.

    Make a lid by cutting a piece of parchment paper the same size as the top of the pan, and place directly on onions. Cook about 2 hours, turning every 20 minutes, until onions have no color and are soft but not falling apart. If all liquid evaporates, add 1/4 cup water. Remove from heat and let cool in liquid. Discard bay leaf, peppercorns, and zest. Transfer onions to an airtight container; they can be kept refrigerated for up to 1 week.

    Note: The onions can be used with other recipes and served in any number of ways. This is one of our favorites: Toast a baguette, spread apricot jam on top, add a heap of onions, and top with slices of prosciutto.
    From the April 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

    NEXT STORY

    Next Story