How to Caramelize Onions and Apples

Pork chops are often paired with caramelized apples and onions for garnish.

Caramelized onions and apples may seem like an odd pairing, but the two work well together as a garnish, particularly for meats. Although onions are often sauteed and used as a topping for variety of dishes, caramelizing them requires a longer cooking process that brings out a bolder, slightly sweet flavor. Combine them with with the slightly tart flavor of caramelized apples and you have a garnish that is an ideal balance of savory and sweet. Does this Spark an idea?

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Onions, any amount
Apples, any amount
2 large skillets
Stirring spoon
Metal spatula
Olive oil
Butter
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Bay leaves (optional)
Thyme (optional)
Basil (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  
  Peel and cut the onions in half, slicing up each half however thick or thin you would like. Peel and slice the apples into six wedges each, removing the apple cores.
- 2
  
  Pour 2 tbsp. of olive oil into a large skillet for every four medium-sized apples you have, and bring to medium-high heat.
- 3
  
  Add the apple slices to the skillet, stirring occasionally. Add a dash of thyme or other herb seasoning if you prefer.
- 4
  
  Remove the apples from the heat when they are golden brown. Set them aside.
- 5
  
  Combine 3 tbsp. of olive oil and 2 tbsp. of butter for every three onions you have in another large skillet, and bring to medium-high heat.
- 6
  
  Add the onions and stir to coat in the oil. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste, along with any optional herb or spices you prefer, such as bay leaves, thyme or basil.
- 7
  
  Stir the onions occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium-low to avoid burning the onions.
- 8
  
  Stir the onions occasionally for 30 minutes to an hour. Scrape the bottom of the pan as they onions start to stick. Add splashes of water as needed to keep the onions from drying out. This is known as deglazing.
- 9
  
  Stir and scrape until the onions are a rich brown color.
- 10
  
  Mix the apples and the onions together and spoon over pork chops or over other meat dishes as a flavorful garnish.

Tips & Warnings

Feel free to use fortified wine or vinegar instead of water to deglaze the pan. This will add more flavor to the onions.
You can add a pinch of sugar to the onions to help the onions caramelize.