Onion Gravy
British Recipe

Caramelized onions and quality balsamic vinegar make this a go-to gravy for many dishes. Pair with bangers and mash or toad-in-a-hole for an authentic British feast.

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Serves 4 cups of gravy
Ingredients
 2  tablespoons butter
 2  tablespoons olive oil
 3  medium onions, halved, sliced and separated
 1/4  teaspoon  salt
 1  teaspoon  crushed garlic
 3  tablespoons  flour
 1/2  cup  red wine, drinking quality
 3  cups  chicken broth*
 1/2  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
 1–2  tablespoons  quality balsamic vinegar**
     

*Homemade chicken or beef broth gives the best flavor and allows you to control the sodium. This can be substituted with canned low-sodium broth, but avoid using canned beef broth. Note that using canned broths requires frequent tasting of the gravy to prevent it from getting too salty.  

**Cheap balsamics are acidic and make the gravy taste off.  I prefer a mid-range brand, which will add a layer of flavor to the caramelized onions.

Directions
  1.  Heat the butter and oil in a skillet set over medium-high heat until just sizzling.
  2. Add the onions and stir to coat.
  3. Sprinkle salt over the onions and toss to coat.

    NOTE: Adding salt at this point helps leach moisture from the onions and promotes quicker browning.

  4. Sauté the onions until golden, approximately 12–16 minutes.
  5. Turn the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid and cook until the onions are a rich caramelized brown, approximately 30–35 minutes. Stir several times to prevent burning.
  6. Add the garlic and sauté for one minute. Stir into the onions.
  7. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and toss until evenly coated.
  8. Turn the heat back up to medium-high.
  9. Pour ¼ cup of wine into the pan and scrape all of the fawn (small bits of flavor) into the onions.
  10. Add the remaining wine, chicken broth and pepper.
  11. Bring to a lively simmer, stirring until the gravy thickens.
  12. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for one minute.
  13. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve.
Preparation Time: 
Approximately 60 minutes