Gratinated Onions

Name: Gratinated Onions
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Red onions 1.1 lbs; Breadcrumbs &frac13; cup; Black olives 1.4 oz; Capers 1 tbsp; Cherry tomatoes 1 ½ cup; White wine vinegar 1 tbsp; Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 1 oz; White wine vinegar 3 tsp; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Parsley to taste

it de fr es br

198

Calories per serving

Lactose Free
Vegetarian

Energy Kcal 198
Carbohydrates g 18.7
of which sugars g 9.3
Protein g 6.2
Fats g 11
of which saturated fat g 2.7
Fiber g 2.8
Cholesterol mg 7
Sodium mg 705

Difficulty: Very easy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Very low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Pasquale Schiavone

Gratinated onions are a delicious staple in Southern Italy, transforming a simple ingredient into something really, really special. I mean, these baked onions are sliced up, layered in a pan, and topped with Mediterranean goodies—think salty capers, briny olives, and bright cherry tomatoes. Seriously good. The result? A dish that's not just tender but also a bit crispy on top. Bursting with those classic Italian flavors everyone loves. And the smell as they come out of the oven is just amazing. Fresh veggies, savory toppings—what's not to love? Some folks even throw on some cheese for a cheesy onion bake, but honestly, the onions stand out just fine on their own. They are like the perfect side dish for simple mains like chicken breast simmered in milk or a moist plaice fillet. Oh, and a fluffy omelet too. Southern Italy is known for its onion dishes, for sure, with famous versions like 'cipolle di Tropea al forno' from Calabria or 'cipolle ripiene alla ligure' from Liguria. Each region gives it their own twist—pretty much—but the main idea sticks: onions baked until they're golden and sweet, soaking up all those Mediterranean flavors. This onion gratin is easier than it sounds, no complicated steps—just layer and let the oven do the magic. The end result is kind of like caramelized onions but with more bite and savory notes. Some folks compare it to French onion recipes like gratin de oignons or an Italian-style onion casserole, but these Southern Italian versions? Way, way better for their lighter, fresher taste. Whether it's a busy weeknight or something special for a Sunday meal, this dish always hits the spot. You'll get why it's a regional favorite once you take a bite—sweet, salty, and tangy flavors all mingling together. It is a dish that really shows off the colorful, aromatic heart of Southern Italy's cuisine.

How to prepare Gratinated Onions

To make gratinated onions, peel the onions, removing only the first outer layer and any roots 1, then rinse them. Bring some water to a boil with a tablespoon of white wine vinegar 2 and immerse the whole onions 3, boiling them for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, cut them into wedges 4, and set aside. Put the breadcrumbs in a bowl and add the grated Parmesan cheese 5, mixing everything together. Drain the onions and let them cool slightly. Cut them into wedges 6.

Cover the bottom of a baking dish with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, drizzle with a little olive oil 7. Arrange the onion wedges 8, add the cherry tomatoes 9,

capers, black olives, and season with salt 10 and pepper. Generously sprinkle the top with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, drizzle with olive oil 11. Bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F for 20 minutes and then switch to grill for another 5 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley 12.