A really basic query - caramelized onions?

[pinto]

I've got the mashed potato detail for T-Day. Would like to blend in caramelized onions and garlic. I'm typically a wing it style cook, which works fine for me, but there are 8 people at this table. All with different tastes, of course.

Any general mmm good basics? I'm going to blend them in after the mash but while the potatoes are still hot.

Thanks ~ pinto

[pinto]

1. (follow up) What I'd usually do is thick slice, saute in butter till soft,

add some red wine, up the heat and cook till onions are browned and wine's cooked off...

:shrug:

[The empressof all]

2. You can do them in the crock pot

Fill the pot losely with thinly sliced onions and add a stick of butter and some salt. Cook on low over night or for at least 8 hours. They come out beautifully.

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. Here's the way I go it - (same as for what we do for Mujadarrah)

Nice large flat frying pan, heat over medium, 2 tbsp of olive oil.....add 3 large thinly sliced halved sweet onions - it will fill the pan - no worries. Stir and turn occasionally over medium heat - first they will soften, then start reducing down - they will get nicely golden browned. Takes about 20 min - just wonderful (aroma and flavor!). You will be astonished at how the big full pan of onions goes down to very little - you can always have 1 or 2 more sliced onions ready to go to add as the pan reduces.

[yellerpup]

4. That's the way I do it.

Although, I sometimes use butter instead of oil. Patience will reward you, the onions practically caramelize themselves.

[pinto]

5. Mashed potatoes were a hit...

Ended up with the basic mashed potatoes (butter, a little half&half, a bit of sour cream) with caramelized sweet onions, sauteed garlic, some sweet potato "ribbons" for color, coarse black pepper and celery salt, topped with diced celery/parsley leaves for serving. Clean plates all around.

LOL - When I cook for myself, there's always the trash can back up - "Eh, didn't work". For a group I tend to get stressed. No need to at all, of course. And mashed potatoes are a simple, basic deal...duh.

Real nice, laid back T-Day get-together. Hope all of you had a good one as well, whatever the setting.

:hi: