Caramelized Onions and Crispy Fries Recipe

This simple yet delicious dish combines crispy oven-baked fries with sweet, deeply caramelized onions. Perfect as a side dish or even a snack, this combination adds a gourmet twist to your favorite comfort food. Whether you enjoy your fries with ketchup or topped with cheese, adding caramelized onions will elevate the flavors to the next level.

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

For the Crispy Fries:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Caramelize the Onions:

1. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally, cooking for 20-25 minutes until the onions are soft and golden brown.
3. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the onions to become deeply caramelized.
4. Optionally, add balsamic vinegar for extra flavor depth. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Fries:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the peeled and cut potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy.

Serve:

1. Top the crispy fries with a generous portion of caramelized onions.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

1. Cheesy Fries: Melt some cheddar cheese over the fries before adding the caramelized onions for a rich, indulgent version.
2. Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the fries for a spicy kick.
3. Garlic Parmesan: Toss the fries with grated Parmesan and extra garlic for a more savory flavor combination.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter version that pairs beautifully with caramelized onions.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover fries and onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat fries in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness. The onions can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Why soak the potatoes before baking?
   Soaking the potatoes removes excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
2. Can I use red onions for this recipe?
   Yes, red onions can be used for a slightly sweeter flavor.
3. How do I prevent the fries from sticking to the pan?
   Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly with oil and use parchment paper or a non-stick baking sheet.
4. Can I make this recipe with frozen fries?
   Yes, you can use store-bought frozen fries and top them with the caramelized onions.
5. What’s the best oil for caramelizing onions?
   Olive oil is great for flavor, but you can also use vegetable or canola oil.
6. How do I prevent my onions from burning?
   Keep the heat on medium and stir the onions occasionally to ensure even caramelization.
7. Can I air fry the potatoes?
   Yes, air-frying at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes will also give you crispy fries.
8. Can I use sweet onions instead of yellow onions?
   Yes, sweet onions work well and will add more natural sweetness.
9. What dipping sauces go well with this dish?
   Aioli, ketchup, ranch dressing, or even balsamic glaze can complement the fries and onions.
10. How do I get the fries extra crispy?
    Soaking the cut potatoes in water, drying them thoroughly, and not overcrowding the baking sheet will ensure crispiness.

Conclusion

This recipe for Caramelized Onions and Crispy Fries brings together two comfort food classics with a gourmet twist. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, the combination of sweet caramelized onions and perfectly crispy fries is sure to satisfy. Make this dish for your next casual gathering or as a cozy treat for yourself!

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