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

Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter is the perfect dish to cozy up with during the colder months. This classic recipe features tender pearl onions enveloped in a rich, creamy béchamel sauce, enhanced by fresh sage and thyme. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal, these creamed pearl onions bring warmth and flavor to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of sage and thyme creates a warm, aromatic profile that makes every bite delightful.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or enjoying a family meal, these creamed pearl onions fit right in.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair them with various main courses such as roasted chicken or beef for a well-rounded meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves creamy comfort food; this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Tools and Preparation

To create Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Slotted spoon
• Ice bath setup (bowl with ice water)
• 9- x 13-inch baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan: Perfect for boiling water and blanching the pearl onions quickly.
• Slotted spoon: Allows you to easily transfer the onions to the ice bath without losing any in the water.
• Medium saucepan: Essential for making the béchamel sauce smoothly without clumps.

Ingredients

To make Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter, gather the following ingredients:

For the Onions

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

For the Béchamel 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)

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In preparation, set up an ice water bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water.

Step 2: Blanch the Pearl Onions

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
2. Add the pearl onions and blanch them just until their skins loosen, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the blanched onions into the ice bath to cool down rapidly.
4. Drain the onions once cooled and pat them dry with a towel.
5. Trim off their root ends and pinch off the skins.

Step 3: Simmer the Onions

1. Return the saucepan of water to boil, adding black peppercorns and bay leaves.
2. Add your peeled pearl onions back into the pot.
3. Simmer over moderately high heat until just tender, around 5 to 8 minutes.
4. Drain well again and pat dry before transferring them into a 9- x 13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over moderately low heat.
2. Add flour and cook while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until bubbling and starting to turn color—this should take about 3 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in whole milk until smooth; then simmer while stirring until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Stir in finely chopped sage and thyme; season generously with salt and ground pepper.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

1. Pour your prepared béchamel sauce over the prepared pearl onions in your baking dish.
2. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until bubbling and just starting to brown at edges.
3. Once done, let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy this comforting side dish that is sure to keep you warm this winter!

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

Serving Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions can elevate your winter meals, making them cozy and inviting. These creamy, herb-infused onions pair beautifully with various dishes and can be presented in multiple ways.

Classic Presentation

• Serve the creamed pearl onions in a warm casserole dish for a rustic look that feels homey and inviting.

With Herb Garnish

• Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

Family-Style Serving

• Transfer the onions to a large bowl and place it at the center of the table. This encourages sharing and adds to the communal dining experience.

As Part of a Buffet

• Include these creamed pearl onions on a holiday buffet along with other sides. Their rich flavor complements many main dishes.

Pairing with Bread

• Offer crusty bread alongside the dish to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a great way to enhance the meal experience.

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

Perfecting Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions involves attention to detail at every step. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose Fresh Pearl Onions: Look for firm, unblemished onions for the best flavor and texture.
• Blanch Properly: Blanching helps loosen onion skins, making peeling easier without compromising their texture.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper in both the onion cooking process and in the béchamel sauce. It enhances flavor dramatically.
• Whisk Smoothly: When combining milk and flour, whisk continuously to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth sauce.
• Bake Until Bubbling: Keep an eye on your baking progress; you want it bubbling at the edges for that perfect creamy finish.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking helps flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

Pairing side dishes with Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions enhances your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options that complement this rich dish perfectly.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy for a delicious crunch.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting base that pairs well with the richness of creamed onions.
3. Glazed Carrots: Sweet glazed carrots add color and balance out the savory notes of your meal.
4. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Light, fluffy rice flavored with herbs makes a perfect neutral side that absorbs flavors nicely.
5. Buttery Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn adds sweetness; serve it slathered in butter for indulgence.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds freshness and serves as a light counterpart to creamy sides.
7. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables offers health benefits while complementing richer dishes.
8. Spinach Salad: A fresh spinach salad dressed lightly can provide balance through its acidity and crispness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the blanching process: Blanching helps loosen the skins for easy peeling. Make sure to give the pearl onions this crucial step for a smooth texture.
• Not seasoning enough: A bland dish can ruin the experience. Be generous with salt and pepper, especially in the béchamel sauce.
• Overcooking the onions: If you cook the onions too long, they can become mushy. Keep an eye on them during simmering for the perfect tender bite.
• Rushing the sauce: A rich béchamel takes time. Don’t rush; let it thicken properly to ensure full flavor.
• Neglecting to let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit before serving enhances its flavors. Don’t skip this step; let it rest for at least 5 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3-4 days.

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

• Portion into freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered until warm, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter special?

This recipe combines rich flavors from sage and thyme with creamy béchamel, making it a comforting side dish perfect for winter meals.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready, simply reheat before serving.

What are some variations of Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter?

Feel free to add grated cheese for extra richness or substitute herbs like rosemary or parsley based on your preference.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can create a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and keeping all other ingredients plant-based.

Final Thoughts

Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions are not just a side dish; they’re a warm hug on chilly nights. Their creamy texture and savory flavors make them highly versatile—you can customize them with different herbs or even add cheese. Try this recipe today and enjoy its comforting appeal!