Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe features tender pearl onions enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce infused with sage and thyme. The combination of flavors makes it an ideal side dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: The creamy sauce combined with the subtle sweetness of pearl onions creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this comforting side dish without much hassle.
Versatile Side Dish: Whether for Thanksgiving, holiday dinners, or family gatherings, these creamed pearl onions will impress your guests.
Healthier Choice: Made with whole ingredients, this recipe avoids processed items while still delivering on taste.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dish in advance and simply bake it before serving, making entertaining easier.

Tools and Preparation

To make Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions successfully, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large saucepan
Slotted spoon
Ice bath setup (bowl with ice water)
Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon
Baking dish (9 x 13 inches)

Importance of Each Tool

Large saucepan: Ideal for boiling water to blanch the pearl onions quickly.
Slotted spoon: Makes transferring the blanched onions into the ice bath easy without spilling hot water.
Medium saucepan: Necessary for making the creamy béchamel sauce that coats the onions perfectly.
Baking dish: Provides ample space for baking the creamed pearl onions evenly.

Ingredients

This classic pearl onion recipe requires just a handful of ingredients to create an unforgettable side dish.

For the Onion Base

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

For the Creamy 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. Set up an ice water bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.

Step 2: Blanch the Pearl Onions

Add the pearl onions to the boiling water and blanch them just until their skins loosen, about 1 to 2 minutes.
* Using a slotted spoon, transfer the onions into the ice bath to cool down quickly.
* Once cooled, drain and pat dry the onions. Trim off their root ends and pinch off their skins.

Step 3: Simmer the Onions

In the same saucepan, add black peppercorns and bay leaves to fresh water; bring to a boil again.
* Add the peeled pearl onions and let them simmer over moderately high heat until they’re just tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
* Drain well again and pat dry before transferring them into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over moderately low heat.
* Add flour and cook while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until bubbling and starting to turn color, about 3 minutes.
* Gradually whisk in whole milk while simmering until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, which should take about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Flavors

Stir in finely chopped sage and thyme into your béchamel sauce.
* Season generously with salt and ground black pepper before pouring it over the prepared onions in your baking dish.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until bubbling around the edges and slightly browned on top.
Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.

Enjoy Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions as a warm side that’s sure to be a hit at your table!

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

Serving Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions is a delightful experience that elevates any meal. Their creamy texture and rich flavors make them an excellent addition to various occasions.

Pair with Roasted Meats

Chicken or Turkey: The savory notes of the creamed onions complement roasted chicken or turkey perfectly, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Beef Roast: A hearty beef roast works wonderfully with these onions, providing a balance of flavors on your plate.

Enhance Your Thanksgiving Table

Stuffing: Serve alongside stuffing for a classic Thanksgiving combination that guests will love.
Green Bean Casserole: The creamy pearl onions pair well with the crunchiness of green beans, creating a satisfying contrast.

Add to a Cozy Family Dinner

Mashed Potatoes: These onions add richness to mashed potatoes, making for a comforting side dish.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of baked sweet potatoes complements the savory onion dish beautifully.

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

To truly master this recipe, consider these helpful tips to enhance your cooking experience.

Choose Fresh Onions: Select firm pearl onions without blemishes for the best flavor and texture in your dish.
Blanch with Care: Ensure you blanch the onions just until the skins loosen to prevent overcooking; this maintains their firmness.
Whisk Smoothly: When adding milk to your roux, whisk continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth sauce.
Season Generously: Don’t hold back on salt and pepper; they elevate the flavors of your creamed pearl onions significantly.

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 can create a harmonious meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic are a perfect match, providing comfort and flavor.
Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots bring a touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the onions.
Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Zest: The bright acidity from lemon zest cuts through the creaminess, adding freshness to your plate.
Roasted Asparagus: Simple yet elegant, roasted asparagus adds color and a slight crunch that pairs beautifully.
Quinoa Salad with Cranberries: A light quinoa salad offers a nutty flavor and chewy texture that complements the dish well.
Cornbread Muffins: These fluffy muffins bring a touch of sweetness, making them an excellent accompaniment to rich sides like creamed onions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you get it just right.

Ignoring the ice bath: Skipping the ice bath after blanching can make peeling pearl onions difficult. Always cool them quickly to loosen the skins.
Overcooking the onions: Cooking pearl onions too long can lead to mushiness. Keep an eye on them when simmering for just the right tenderness.
Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoned sauces can be bland. Taste your sauce and adjust salt and pepper before pouring it over the onions.
Failing to let it rest: Cutting into your dish immediately after baking may result in a runny sauce. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving for better consistency.
Using too much flour: Adding excessive flour will create a thick, doughy sauce. Follow the recipe measurements closely for a smooth texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Use within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

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

Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Best used within 2-3 months for best flavor and texture.

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

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat until warm throughout (about 20 minutes).
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid hot spots.
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use frozen pearl onions?

Yes, frozen pearl onions work well! Just thaw them before cooking.

How can I customize this recipe?

You can add different herbs like rosemary or parsley for added flavor. Feel free to experiment!

What dishes pair well with these creamed pearl onions?

They make a great side dish for roasted meats or vegetarian entrees, enhancing any meal beautifully.

How do I store leftovers of Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions are a comforting side dish perfect for winter meals. Their creamy texture and savory flavors make them versatile enough for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices!