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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Published: Aug 20, 2022 · Modified: Sep 22, 2022 · This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.

    Spiced Onions Recipe (Borettane Onions)

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    spiced onions recipe pin
    spiced onions recipe pin
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    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.

    spiced onions recipe made with Italian Borettane onions, served with a piece focaccia bread.
    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    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 Spanish omelettes.

    This spiced onion recipe was inspired by the roasted Spanish escalivada recipe on this site, and pairs well with rosemary focaccia bread, Pagnotta (easy Italian bread loaf), 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
    • Food safety
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    🧾 Ingredients

    ingredients to cook the spiced onions recipe.
    • Borettane onions or pearl onions (see below substitutions)
    • Red chilies (pepperoncini)
    • Extra-virgin olive oil
    • Fresh rosemary

    Optional: salt and black peppercorns

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    🔪 Instructions

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

    bowl of borettane onions floating in cold water next to a a plate with peeled onions.

    Soak the onions in cold water to make it easier to peel them.

    saucepan with olive oil, a rosemary sprig, whole black peppercorns, and pepperoncino chillies.

    On low heat, infuse the olive oil with the rosemary sprig and pepperoncini for 2-3 minutes.

    cooking onions with the rest of the ingredients in a saucepan.

    Fry the onions in a pan with a little olive oil and rosemary and pepperoncini until lightly golden

    putting the lid on top of the saucepan to let them simmer and cook gently.

    Add one cup of water and put the lid on. Let them cook for 15-20 minutes.

    💡Top tip

    Let the onions cook until almost all the water is consumed and the onions are perfectly soft but haven't lost their shape.

    fully cooked borettane onions in a saucepan, ready to be plated.

    🍶 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

    What are caramelized onions?

    Caramelized onions are a type of slow-cooked onion that has been cooked until it takes on a dark brown color. They're often used as a flavorful topping for pizzas, salads, and other dishes.

    Are caramelized onions healthy?

    Caramelized onions are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. While they are higher in sugar and calories than raw onions, the process of caramelization releases many beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds.
    Research has shown that caramelized onions may help improve cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and wound healing. When consumed in moderation, caramelized onions can be a healthy and delicious addition to your diet.

    small bowl with plated onions next to a focaccia bread in a table.

    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

    spiced onions recipe (borettane onions)

    Spiced Onions Recipe (Borettane Onions)

    Gus
    Learn how to cook a delicious appetizer or side dish with small Italian borettane onions or use regular onions made Indian or Middle-Eastern style.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine Italian-Inspired
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 124 kcal

    Equipment

    our favorite Ultra Nonstick Copper small Sauce Pan with Lid.
    (affiliate link)
    Medium Saucepan (affiliate link)
    glass mixing bowls.
    (affiliate link)
    Glass mixing bowl (affiliate link)

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 pound Borettane onions , baby onions or pearl onions
    • 2-3 red chilies (pepperoncini)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin
    • 1 rosemary

    Optional

    • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Directions
     

    • Soak the onions in cold water to make it easier to peel them; then peel them.
    • On low heat, infuse the olive oil with the rosemary sprig and pepperoncini for 2-3 minutes.
    • Fry the onions in a pan with a little olive oil and rosemary and pepperoncini until lightly golden
    • Add one cup of water and put the lid on. Let them cook for 15-20 minutes.
    • Serve immmediately.
    • Store the onions in a mason jar in the fridge. Good for 5-7 days.
      You can freeze the onions in an airtight container and let them thaw overnight when ready to use.

    Notes

    Substituting for yellow 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.
    Check Indian and Middle-Eastern Variations

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 124kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 589mgPotassium: 291mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 337IUVitamin C: 57mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram and Hashtag it #ourplantbasedworld so we can see what's cooking!!
    Nutrition Facts
    Spiced Onions Recipe (Borettane Onions)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    124
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    7
    g
    11
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    5
    g
    Sodium
     
    589
    mg
    26
    %
    Potassium
     
    291
    mg
    8
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    14
    g
    5
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    7
    g
    8
    %
    Protein
     
    2
    g
    4
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    337
    IU
    7
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    57
    mg
    69
    %
    Calcium
     
    37
    mg
    4
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Food safety

    We sometimes take for granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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    151 shares
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Caitlin says

      August 20, 2022 at 1:29 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best side dish for dinnertime - so easy to make and so flavorful!

      Reply
    2. kushigalu says

      August 20, 2022 at 1:50 pm

      5 stars
      These spiced onions look amazing. I would love to try this soon.

      Reply
    3. Deb says

      August 20, 2022 at 4:06 pm

      5 stars
      I made this recipe with white onions and just loved it. Next time I’ll try it with the pearls.

      Reply
    4. Andrea says

      August 20, 2022 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      Love this variation of caramelized onion. It turned out soooo good and I served them with steak and mashed potatoes for a dinner party. This dish was a huge hit!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        August 21, 2022 at 8:49 am

        I am glad you liked our spiced onions, Andrea! And you are right! They make excellent side dishes and are the perfect booster for mashed potatoes!

        Reply
    5. Tina says

      August 21, 2022 at 9:29 am

      5 stars
      I love that these onions are packed with flavor! So good!

      Reply
    6. sandra says

      August 21, 2022 at 12:29 pm

      La Escalivada NO es española, es una receta muy tradicional CATALANA. Gracias.

      Reply
      • Gus says

        August 22, 2022 at 9:55 am

        Así es, si usted va a la receta de la Escalivada, en este sitio, verá que dice Escalivada Catalana, de la región de Cataluña, que está situada geográficamente dentro de España. Saludos.

        Reply
    7. Katie says

      August 22, 2022 at 9:02 am

      5 stars
      Oh these onions are so tasty! They make such a delicious side!

      Reply

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