Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Tennessee onions! These beauties are not just your everyday onions; they’re sweet, flavorful treasures that thrive in the nutrient-rich soil of Tennessee. I love how their natural sweetness can transform any dish, whether you’re grilling them up for a summer barbecue or tossing them in a fresh salad. Seriously, there’s something magical about the way they caramelize on the grill, releasing an aroma that just draws everyone in. Plus, they’re super versatile! Once you try cooking with Tennessee onions, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Trust me, they’re a game-changer in my kitchen!
Ingredients for Grilled Tennessee Onions
- 2 large Tennessee onions, peeled and cut into thick rings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin for the best flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance the natural sweetness
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for a bit of kick
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, for a tangy finish
How to Prepare Tennessee Onions
Getting your Tennessee onions ready for grilling is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through it step by step! The key is to keep things simple and organized, so let’s dive in!
Prepping the Grill
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). This is super important! If your grill isn’t hot enough, your onions will just steam instead of get that delicious char we love. Trust me, that smoky flavor makes all the difference!
Slicing the Onions
Now, grab those gorgeous Tennessee onions and slice them into thick rings, about ½ inch thick. This thickness is perfect because it allows the onions to caramelize beautifully without falling apart. If you cut them too thin, they might just turn into onion strings instead of those perfect, juicy rings!
Seasoning the Onions
In a bowl, mix together your olive oil, salt, and pepper until it’s well combined. I love using extra virgin olive oil for that rich flavor! Now, using a brush (or even your hands, if you’re feeling adventurous), generously coat both sides of each onion ring with this mixture. You want every bite to be flavorful!
Grilling the Onions
Time to hit the grill! Place those seasoned onion rings directly on the grates and grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Don’t forget to check in on them occasionally—flipping them halfway ensures that lovely char happens on both sides. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and have those beautiful grill marks!
Finishing Touches
Once your onions are perfectly grilled, drizzle them with balsamic vinegar for that sweet, tangy finish. Oh my goodness, the flavor combination is just heavenly! Serve these beauties alongside your favorite grilled meats or toss them into a salad for some extra pizzazz. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success with Tennessee Onions
To make your grilled Tennessee onions truly shine, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, don’t skip the marinating step; letting those onion rings soak in the olive oil, salt, and pepper mixture for at least 15 minutes before grilling can really amp up the flavor. If you have leftovers (which I highly doubt, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat them on the grill or stovetop to bring back that delicious char.
These onions pair wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, but they also make a fantastic addition to burgers or sandwiches. Feeling adventurous? Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost. Trust me, once you get the hang of grilling these sweet gems, you’ll be adding them to everything!
Nutritional Information for Tennessee Onions
Before we dive into the deliciousness, let’s quickly chat about nutrition! Just a heads up: the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind. Typically, a serving of grilled Tennessee onions has around 80 calories, with about 7 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein, and 10 grams of carbohydrates. They’re low in sugar and cholesterol-free, making them a healthy addition to your meals. Plus, with those sweet flavor notes, you get all that yum without the guilt! So, go ahead and enjoy these grilled beauties without a second thought!
FAQ About Tennessee Onions
What are Tennessee onions?
Tennessee onions are a delightful variety of sweet onions that thrive in the fertile soils of Tennessee. Their unique growing conditions contribute to their exceptionally sweet flavor and crisp texture. Unlike some other onion varieties, Tennessee onions have a milder taste, making them perfect for grilling, caramelizing, or sprucing up salads. You’ll love how they add depth to your dishes without overpowering them. Once you experience their sweetness, you might just find them becoming a staple in your kitchen!
Can I use other types of onions?
Absolutely! While Tennessee onions are fantastic, you can substitute them with other sweet onion varieties like Vidalia or Walla Walla onions. Just keep in mind that each type has its own distinct flavor profile. For instance, Vidalia onions are known for their sweet and mild taste, making them a good alternative. However, if you use yellow onions, they’ll be a bit sharper and might require a little extra seasoning to balance their flavor. So, feel free to experiment, but aim for sweet varieties for that delicious, caramelized taste!
How do I store leftover grilled onions?
Storing leftover grilled Tennessee onions is super simple! Just let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should keep well for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them on the grill or stovetop to bring back that wonderful charred flavor and texture. I recommend avoiding the microwave, as it can make them a bit soggy. Trust me, those grilled beauties deserve to be enjoyed just as much the second time around!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Versatile enough to pair with any meal, from grilled meats to fresh salads.
- Health-conscious option—low in calories and fat, yet packed with flavor.
- Simple ingredients that highlight the natural sweetness of Tennessee onions.
- Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy dinners any time of year.
- A great way to impress guests with minimal effort—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Deliciously caramelized onions that add depth to your dishes.
Tennessee Onions: 7 Ways to Elevate Your Dishes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tennessee onions are sweet, flavorful onions grown in the rich soil of Tennessee. They are perfect for grilling, caramelizing, or adding to salads.
Ingredients
- 2 large Tennessee onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Slice the Tennessee onions into thick rings.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the mixture onto the onion rings.
- Place the onions on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar on the onions before serving.
Notes
- Store leftover onions in an airtight container.
- These onions pair well with grilled meats.
- Try adding different herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Tennessee onions, grilled onions, sweet onions, onion recipes
