Grilled Vidalia Onion Blossoms with Garlic Butter

Grilled Vidalia Onion Blossoms are a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Vidalia onions, known for their mild and sweet flavor, are cut into beautiful blossoms, brushed with a flavorful garlic butter, and grilled until tender and caramelized. This recipe is a great side dish or appetizer that will impress your guests with its presentation and taste.

Ingredients

• 4 large Vidalia onions
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions

1. Peel the Vidalia onions and trim the root end slightly, being careful to leave the core intact to hold the onion together.
2. Cut each onion into quarters, slicing downwards without cutting all the way through the root. Then, make additional cuts between the quarters to create eight sections. The onion should open up slightly, forming a blossom shape.

2. Make the Garlic Butter

1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

3. Preheat the Arteflame Grill

Fire up your Arteflame grill and allow the flat cooktop to reach medium heat. The even heat distribution will help the onions cook evenly and develop a nice caramelization.

4. Grill the Onion Blossoms

1. Brush the onion blossoms generously with olive oil, ensuring that the oil gets between the layers.
2. Place the onions directly on the flat cooktop, root side down. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, brushing occasionally with the garlic butter, until the onions are tender and slightly charred on the edges.

5. Serve

1. Remove the grilled Vidalia onion blossoms from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
2. Drizzle with any remaining garlic butter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Pairings

• Drink: Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light lager.
• Side: Serve alongside grilled steak, chicken, or pork, or as part of a vegetable platter.
• Dessert: Follow with a light dessert like grilled peaches or a simple sorbet.

Tips

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
• Extra Flavor: Top with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for an added layer of flavor.
• Perfect Blossoms: If the onion isn’t opening up as much as you’d like, gently spread the layers apart with your fingers to help it bloom.

Conclusion

Grilled Vidalia Onion Blossoms with Garlic Butter are a delicious and visually impressive dish that brings out the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions. The smoky flavor from the grill combined with the rich garlic butter makes these onion blossoms a perfect addition to any meal. Whether as a side dish or an appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.