She Strengthens

Sweet and Savory Cipollini Onions

Elevate Your Roast with These Meltingly Sweet Morsels

Cipollini onions, with their sweet and sour agrodolce flavor, are the perfect accompaniment to your next roast. These small, flat onions are commonly found in markets from late fall to winter and can be transformed into a delicious side dish with just a few simple ingredients.

What You’ll Need

• 2 1/2 pounds cipollini onions, peeled
• 2 1/2 ounces thick-sliced smoked bacon, medium dice (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 tablespoons dry red wine
• 6 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup golden raisins, also known as sultanas
• 1 bay leaf

Game Plan: A Simple Recipe

To make cutting the bacon easier, chill it in the freezer for 20-25 minutes until it firms up. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Roasting the Onions

Heat your oven to 450°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Combine the onions, bacon, and olive oil in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Stir to coat the onions in oil, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and place in the oven. Roast, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and start to become tender, about 30 minutes.

The Sweet and Sour Sauce

Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then continue cooking until the mixture is reduced by half, about 20 minutes.

Finishing Touches

When the onions are done, remove them from the oven and pour the sweet and sour sauce over them. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F and return the baking dish to the oven. Roast the onions, basting occasionally, until the sauce is thick and syrupy, about another 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir the onions to coat in the sauce. Return to the oven and continue roasting until the onions are fork-tender, about 8 minutes more. Serve hot or lukewarm.

Tips and Variations

These sweet and savory onions make a great side dish on their own, but you can also use them as a topping for mixed greens or as a warm vinaigrette. Simply reheat the onions, chop them coarsely, and toss with your favorite greens. Enjoy!