Pearl onions are great in soups and stews and their high concentration of sugars help them caramelize nicely when glazed in a pan. But before you cook pearl onions, you have to peel them. Like all cooking onions, pearl onions have a layer of papery skin around their exterior.
Cooking the Pearl Onions in the Stew
Now that your pearl onions are peeled and ready to go, it’s time to incorporate them into your stew. Here’s how:
- Start by sautéing some aromatics like onions, garlic, and carrots in a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
- Add your choice of meat, such as beef, chicken, or lamb, and cook until browned.
- Pour in your preferred liquid, such as broth, wine, or even beer, to create a flavorful base for the stew.
- Add the pearl onions to the pot and stir them gently to coat them with the flavorful liquid.
- Let the stew simmer on low heat, allowing the onions to absorb the flavors and become tender. This typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the onions.
- Test the tenderness of the onions by piercing them with a fork. They should be soft and easily yield to gentle pressure.
Prepping the Pearl Onions
Before cooking, it’s important to properly prepare the pearl onions to ensure they cook evenly. Follow these easy steps to peel and trim the onions:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Trim off the root end of each onion.
- Make a shallow cross-shaped cut on the opposite end of the root.
- Gently drop the onions into the boiling water and blanch for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the onions from boiling water and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Drain the onions and carefully peel off the outer skin.
How to Peel Pearl Onions: LA Times Test Kitchen Tip
FAQ
Do you have to peel pearl onions before cooking?
How do you use raw pearl onions?
Can you eat the tops of pearl onions?
How to Peel pearl onions without boiled?
The fastest way of peeling pearl onions without using the boiled method is just like peeling the skin from a clove of garlic. Cut the root end of the pearl onion with a paring knife and then press from the top. The onion should slip out easily. If not, cut a larger piece from the root end.
How to cook pearl onions?
Properly prepped onions will enhance your cooking with their sweet, mild flavor and delicate texture. Blanching is your ally in peeling pearl onions efficiently. First, bring a pot of water to a boil and gently drop in your onions for two minutes. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
How do you cut a pearl onion?
Strain the onions, removing any ice cubes and shaking off excess water. Place a pearl onion on its side on a cutting board. Hold the onion steady by its stem side and slice off the root end, as close to the root as possible. Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch the stem and push the onion out through the opening created by the root end.
How do you use pearl onions in a stew?
When making a stew, consider starting with pearl onions as a base ingredient, sautéing them until golden before adding other elements. In soups, add pearl onions in the last few minutes of simmering to avoid overcooking. Beef Bourguignon: Incorporate pearl onions for a classic touch in this French stew.