BHA & BHT Free Paleo Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions are one of those kitchen transformations that feel almost magical — raw, sharp slices slowly coaxing into something deeply sweet, jammy, and golden over low, patient heat. What makes this version especially clean is how short the ingredient list is: avocado oil, yellow onions, sea salt, and an optional splash of balsamic vinegar are all you need. Many store-bought condiments and flavored oils sneak in synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT, so cooking from scratch with whole, recognizable ingredients is the smartest way to stay clear of them. Avocado oil is a great neutral-fat choice here — it handles medium heat beautifully and lets the natural sugars in the onions do all the heavy lifting. The slow cook is the real secret, giving the onions time to release their moisture and develop that rich, glossy depth without any shortcuts or additives. A finishing drizzle of balsamic vinegar pulls everything together with a subtle tang that makes these onions irresistible piled onto burgers, stirred into soups, or spooned over roasted vegetables. Once you have a batch ready in the fridge, you'll find yourself reaching for them constantly.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 3 large yellow onions (about 2 lb), halved and thinly sliced
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the avocado oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- 2
Add the sliced onions and salt, then stir to coat evenly in the oil. Cook, stirring every 3–4 minutes, until the onions have wilted and released most of their moisture, about 10 minutes.
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