Caramelised Red Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil for Lazy Pantry Nights

When the week has dragged on and your pantry seems bare, you’ll want a quick yet satisfying meal that can uplift your spirits. Enter Caramelised Red Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil—your go-to dish for evenings filled with uncertainty about dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe converts a few simple ingredients into a rich, flavourful experience that warms the soul.

The Allure of Onion

Let's delve into the star of the show: caramelised onions. Cooking onions slowly until they turn golden brown transforms their flavour dramatically. The natural sugars within caramelise to create a sweet and savoury depth that enhances any dish.

Consider this: with just two large red onions, you can elevate your pantry staples like linguine and chilli oil into an easy mid week meal, that is special enough to be served at a dinner party. The beautiful colour and aroma of the onions promise a comforting yet sophisticated meal.

The next time you stand in front of a nearly empty pantry, remember this recipe! Caramelised Red Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil isn’t just a simple meal—it's a tasty reminder that ordinary ingredients can lead to an extraordinary dish.

With minimal effort and maximum flavour, this recipe proves that delicious cooking doesn't have to be complicated. Grab your linguine, let those onions turn sweet, and savour a comforting meal that turns lazy nights cooking into memorable meal.

Caramelised Red Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil - The Recipe

Ingredients

• 350g Linguine

• 2 large red onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon garlic butter (I recommend Lurpak)

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional but recommended)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

  
  

For the Chilli Oil:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon chili flakes (Aleppo chili flakes are wonderful, but regular red chili flakes are acceptable)

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika

Garnish

• Fresh thyme

• Grated parmesan cheese (optional but adds a delightful touch)

Method:

1. Begin by heating olive oil and garlic butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once the oil is warm, add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for even cooking.

2. After around 15 minutes, sprinkle in the sugar to help it boosts the caramelisation process. Make sure to cook those onions for at least 25-30 minutes, stirring regularly until they achieve a perfect deep golden-brown hue. Remember, patience pays off; the longer they cook, the richer the taste.

3. While the onions are slowly caramelizing, you can prepare the chilli oil. In a small saucepan, warm olive oil over low to medium heat.

4. Add in the chili flakes, sweet paprika, and a pinch of salt. Keep the heat low to let the oil absorb the flavours without frying the spices. Stir occasionally, and once it starts smelling fragrant, set it aside to cool slightly.

5. Fill a large pot with water, making sure to add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add your linguine and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until it reaches al dente.

6. Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid can help tie your dish together beautifully.

7. Return the caramelized onions to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and mix everything together. If the dish appears dry, add a splash of your reserved pasta water until everything is creamy and cohesive.

8. Finally, drizzle your homemade chilli oil over the pasta and toss to distribute the flavours evenly.

9. Plate your pasta and garnish with fresh thyme and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for that extra touch.

In Summary

The next time you stand in front of a nearly empty pantry, remember this recipe! Caramelised Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil isn’t just a simple meal—it's a tasty reminder that ordinary ingredients can lead to an extraordinary dish.

With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe proves that delicious cooking doesn't have to be complicated. Grab your linguine, let those onions turn sweet, and savor a comforting meal that turns lazy nights into memorable moments. Happy cooking!