Tree Nut Free Paleo Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions are one of those kitchen transformations that feel almost magical — a pile of raw sliced onions slowly coaxing down into a glossy, jammy, deeply golden condiment that makes almost everything taste better. Avocado oil does the heavy lifting here, providing a clean, neutral fat with a high smoke point that keeps things from burning during the long, slow cook. The real secret is patience: low heat, regular stirring, and scraping up those browned bits from the pan are what build that rich, complex sweetness without any added sugar. A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end is optional but absolutely worth it — it adds a subtle tang and gives the onions a gorgeous, lacquered finish. With just a handful of whole-food ingredients and zero nuts or nut-derived oils in sight, this is a completely safe and fuss-free recipe for anyone navigating tree nut concerns. Pile them onto burgers, stir them into soups, tuck them inside grain bowls, or serve them alongside roasted meats — the uses are practically endless.
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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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