Introducing the “No Guilt Onion Bloom,” a guilt-free twist on a classic appetizer that will satisfy your cravings without compromising on flavor. This recipe transforms a humble yellow onion into a flavorful and aromatic masterpiece, making it an ideal starter or side dish for any occasion.
The star of this dish is the large yellow onion. When prepared with care, it undergoes a magical transformation on the grill or in the oven, becoming tender, juicy, and incredibly savory. To begin, you’ll trim just half an inch from the top of the onion, keeping the root end intact to hold the layers together.
The outer layer of the onion is peeled away, revealing the beautiful layers within. The onion is then carefully cut into 12 to 16 vertical wedges, ensuring not to sever the root base. By doing so, you create a stunning blooming effect that not only looks impressive but also allows for the flavors to infuse deeply into every layer.
To elevate the taste, a blend of dried thyme and rosemary (or oregano, if you prefer) is generously sprinkled over the onion, ensuring the aromatic herbs permeate throughout. A touch of salt and pepper can be added for extra seasoning, depending on your preference.
A tablespoon of butter is added to the top of the onion, infusing it with a rich, buttery goodness that will melt as the onion cooks, enhancing its succulence.
The onion is then carefully wrapped in foil, creating a snug cocoon to seal in all the flavors and juices. It’s placed on a grill over medium heat or baked at around 375 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to cook to perfection for 25 to 35 minutes.
Once the No Guilt Onion Bloom emerges from the grill or oven, it’s garnished with fresh parsley, adding a vibrant burst of color and a hint of herbaceousness.
This delectable dish is not only a visual delight but also a flavor-packed treat that will leave your taste buds singing. The No Guilt Onion Bloom is a healthier and guilt-free alternative to traditional bloomin’ onions, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone can enjoy.
PrintNo-Guilt Onion Bloom
The mighty onion features prominently on some menus, in the form of a big blossom. It sure is tasty, but all the fried deliciousness may not be to everyone’s liking—or waistline. Here’s an alternative appetizer that’s high on flavor and low on calories. If you can’t grill it, pop it in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Appetizers
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (or both, if you like)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Cut off 1/2 inch from the top of the onion, leaving the root end intact.
- Peel off the outer layer of the onion; put it in your compost bin.
- Flip the onion over so the base is facing up; cut onion into 12 to 16 vertical wedges, being careful not to cut into the root base.
- Turn onion over and gently separate the layers and wedges.
- Put the onion on a piece of foil big enough to seal the onion inside.
- Sprinkle spices on the onion, being sure to get in between all the layers.
- Salt and pepper, if desired.
- Add butter to the top of the onion.
- Wrap the foil tightly around the onion, keeping in mind that you’ll need to unwrap it.
- Put the foil-wrapped onion on a grill over medium heat.
- Grill for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the onion is juicy and tender.
- Alternately, you can bake the onion for the same amount of time at about 375 degrees F.
- Garnish with parsley, if desired.
This recipe is a real crowd pleaser. Have you tried making this onion recipe? It’s so easy and delicious—please tell us how it turned out for you.