Description
This viral TikTok recipe features a whole sweet onion roasted to tender perfection with a flavorful blend of vegan butter, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning. Slow-roasted and optionally broiled for caramelized edges, this simple yet savory dish is perfect as a comforting side or a unique main served alongside rice or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large (15 ounce) sweet onion, peeled and ends trimmed off
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste when serving each layer)
- Optional seasonings: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional seasonings: ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Garnish
- Optional: finely diced parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the onion evenly.
- Prepare the Onion: Use a small melon baller or spoon to scoop out a well in the top center of the onion about one-third of the way down, creating a cavity for the seasoning mixture. Place the onion on a sheet of aluminum foil.
- Add Butter and Seasonings: Place the tablespoon of vegan butter into the well of the onion. Mix the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or Old Bay seasoning together, then pour this mixture over the butter into the well. Allow the seasoning mixture to slowly drip down the onion layers, and sprinkle ¼ teaspoon salt evenly over the onion.
- Wrap and Roast: Tightly wrap the entire onion in the aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavor. Place the wrapped onion into a small baking dish or cast iron skillet to catch any overflow oils. Roast on the center rack for 1 hour, allowing the onion to become fork-tender and slightly caramelized.
- Check for Doneness: Remove the onion from the oven and carefully open the foil to check. The onion should be soft throughout and jiggle slightly in the center. If it needs more time, reseal the foil and continue roasting for an additional 10 minutes before rechecking.
- Broil for Caramelization (Optional): For a deeper caramelized flavor, open the foil, drizzle extra melted vegan butter or olive oil, and sprinkle a pinch of salt over the onion. Turn the oven to broil and place the onion under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This step creates a golden-brown crust on top of the onion.
- Serve: Peel away the outer layer and enjoy the tender layers beneath. Pour all the flavorful juices collected in the foil over the onion when serving to maximize taste. Garnish with finely diced parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, crispy chickpeas, or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator after the onion has cooled to room temperature.
- Extra seasonings like garlic powder or Old Bay seasoning can be adjusted or omitted to suit taste preferences.
- Be careful when broiling as the onion can burn quickly; monitor closely during this step.
- Leftover roasted onion can be used as a flavorful addition to salads, sandwiches, or dips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 onion
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
