Spiced Onions Recipe (Borettane Onions)

Bored of the same old onions? Spice things up with this recipe for borettane onions. These Italian onions are sautéed in spiced rosemary-infused oil and make a delicious side dish or appetizer. Ready in 25 minutes, this recipe is easy and perfect for any occasion. The recipe offers substitutions for yellow and pearl onions made in Indian or Middle-Eastern style.

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We all love onions, but there are many different kinds of them; moreover, so many ways to cook and enjoy these flavor-packed goodies.

Borettane onions are a type of onion that is popular in Italy. They are small, round onions with light yellow skin and a sweet flavor. They are often used in salads, pickled, as a side dish, appetizers, or garnished on other meals.

We are fans of caramelizing onions for risottos and putting them on top of pizza or vegan Spanish tortilla.

This spiced onion recipe was inspired by the roasted Spanish escalivada recipe on this site, and pairs well with rosemary focaccia bread, a Pagnotta (easy Italian Artisan Bread), inside arepa sandwiches, or on top of traditional hummus or guacamole for an unexpected twist.

Jump to:

• 🧾 Ingredients
• 🔪 Instructions
• 💡Top tip
• 🍶 Substitutions
• 📖 Variations
• 🥢 How to serve
• 🍽 Equipment
• 🥡 Storage
• ❓FAQ
• 📋 Recipe
• 💬 Reviews and Comments

🧾 Ingredients

• Borettane Onions or Pearl Onions: These small, sweet onions caramelize beautifully, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's perfect for absorbing the bold flavors of spices. (Substitutions: If Borettane onions are not available, shallots or cipollini onions can be used for their similar sweetness and size, which are ideal for pickling or cooking whole.)
• Red Chilies (Pepperoncini): They bring a gentle heat that doesn't overpower but instead complements the sweetness of the onions, creating a balanced kick in every bite.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Its rich taste and antioxidant properties not only enhance the flavors but also help in roasting the onions to perfection, adding a subtle fruity background note.
• Fresh Rosemary: This aromatic herb infuses the dish with a piney fragrance and a savory, slightly lemony flavor profile that marries well with the sweet and spicy components.

Optional: salt and black peppercorns

See the recipe card for quantities.

🔪 Instructions

So, this is how to make spiced onions in four simple steps.

🍶 Substitutions

• Onions - instead of borettane onions, you can use any small-sized onions, like pearl onions. In that case, add one tablespoon of sugar; since these Italian onions are more sugary than regular ones, you will need extra sugar to caramelize the onions.
• Regular onions - you can apply the same technique to other types of onions, such as yellow, white, or red onions. Simple use of thick onion slices or coarsely chopped onions.
• Pepperoncini - use red chili flakes or any other fresh or dried chili.
• Rosemary - use fresh thyme sprigs or sage.
• Extra-virgin olive oil - any other oil will work. You can use regular vegetable oil, just about using oil with a distinctive flavor like coconut oil.

📖 Variations

• Middle eastern - instead of rosemary and pepperoncini, add ½ teaspoon of sumac, Lebanese seven spices, lemon peel, and/or paprika. Then add them to vegan kebabs, and serve with tabbouleh salad.
• Indian spiced onions - to give a different flavor profile to these spicy onions, you could use Indian spices, such as cumin powder, cumin seeds, chaat masala, garam masala, lemon juice, chilli powder, fenugreek leaves, or cayenne pepper. Simply infuse the oil with the spices before adding the sliced onions to the saucepan.

The Indian spiced onions are the perfect accompaniment for mango chutney and cucumber mint sauce, as they usually serve them in Indian restaurants for the total feast.

Serve sauteed onions recipe next to basmati rice and your favorite Indian eggplant curry, red lentil dal, or cauliflower curry.

Another great pairing is a mushroom tikka masala curry.

🥢 How to serve

These small Italian onions (cipolline) are traditionally served as a side dish for meat or as an appetizer with cured meat and cheeses.

We suggest serving them vegan options like focaccia bread as part of a vegan charcuterie board, including red pepper hummus, Spanish tapas like sautéed chickpeas and spinach, muhammara toasted walnuts dip, pumpkin hummus, roasted butternut squash, Spanish vegetables, vegan ricotta cheese, and crackers.

🍽 Equipment

To make this carmelized onions recipe, you only need a mixing bowl and a small saucepan with a lid to soak the onions. Nothing complicated.

🥡 Storage

• Fridge - store the onions in a mason jar in the fridge. Good for 5-7 days.
• Freezer - you can freeze the onions in an airtight container and let them thaw overnight when ready to use.

You can also thaw them in the microwave at medium heat for a couple of minutes.

❓FAQ

If you try this spicy onions recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo #ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!

📋 Recipe