In Praise of the Onion

Life is like an onion.  You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.

Carl Sandburg

Onions are one of the most under-appreciated ingredients in the world of cuisine, are they not?  Like salt or water, we add them to everything; and yet they have a way of disappearing into all we cook, adding such a fundamental dimension that their absence leaves an insatiable void of flavour.  However, do we ever take a moment to recognize the onion as an onion?  The treasure of the garden and the true culinary hero.  A vegetable with a depth of sweet and savory that is unmatched.  One which harbors a multitude of antioxidants, phytochemicals, minerals, and antimicrobial properties within its dense and hearty layers.

Today I'm paying homage to this invaluable member of the vegetable world with a dish that features the simple onion as star.  My Maple-glazed Caramelized Onion Tartine is sweet but utterly satisfying.  Top it with creamy goat cheese or with a mild, soft cow's milk cheese (such as Laughing Cow), and with fresh sage from the garden.  It's the ultimate autumn lunchtime treat, and I hope it does the humble onion justice.  After all, what other vegetable has the uncanny ability to make us weep for joy?

Maple-glazed Caramelized Onion Tartine with Sage and Goat Cheese

-makes 4 tartines for 2 servings

2 medium onions (1 per serving)

1 tsp olive oil

1 tsp butter

2 tsp maple syrup

coarse sea salt

4 slices of good whole grain bread

extra virgin olive oil (for brushing on the bread)

soft goat cheese or creamy, mild cow cheese (about 1 Tbsp per slice of bread)

8 fresh sage leaves

Peel and cut the onions in half.  Slice thinly lengthwise from the root to the tip.  Heat the oil and butter over medium heat.  Add the onions and stir.  As the onions begin to brown turn the heat down to medium-low.  Cook the onions for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don't burn, until very brown.  If the pan becomes too dry add a splash of water.  If the onions are browning too quickly turn the heat to low.  When the onions are caramelized add a pinch of salt and the maple syrup.  Cook, stirring, for one or two minutes longer.

Meanwhile, brush the bread with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of coarse sea salt.  Toast in a toaster oven or conventional oven until light brown.  (Don't use a traditional toaster, as the oil may burn.) 

When the onions are done spread about 1 tablespoon of cheese onto each slice of bread.  Top with the caramelized onions.  Tear the sage on top (or leave whole as I did in the photos).  I use 2 - 3 leaves per tartine.  Serve immediately.  This is especially good with a well-chilled Riesling.


Have leftover Maple-glazed Caramelized Onions?  Use them to garnish these burgers, or combine with apples to make these savory tarts.


Shared with: Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Mangia Mondays, Hearth and Soul, Weekend Potluck, Foodie Friday at Rattlebridge Farm, Foodie Friday at Simple Living, Freedom Fridays