What is the difference between caramelized onions and "crispy onions"?
I've searched around for information on this, and seen "caramelized onions" in some places (simple enough to make), and then what can only be described as a VIOLENT reaction indicating that rather than caramelized onions, "crispy onions" are the proper accoutrement to Mujaddara.
What is the difference, and what do I need to know in order to make crispy onions for Mujaddara?
Best Answer
Both crispy and caramelized onions are cooked for a long time, and will be very brown. However, they are cooked slightly differently.
Caramelized onions are usually cross-cut on the onion to release its moisture, and then cooked over very low heat in a crowded pan, stirring infrequently, so that they gradually release their sugars and liquid and it turns to caramel. Depending on the onions and desired result, you may even cover them, an add a little liquid and/or sugar. The end result is very soft and very sweet.
Arabic-style crispy onions are cut pole-to-pole in order to avoid rupturing cells in the onions. They are then fried over medium heat in an uncrowded pan, stirring regularly. This lets them dry out and become brown and crispy, even burning on thin ends. These onions should be a mix of crispy and chewy, and more savory than sweet.
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What is the difference between fried onions and caramelized onions?
As for how these onions compare to sauteed onions the big difference is time. Sauteed onions don't spend as much time on the heat. They get soft and they may brown a bit, but sauteed onions only take a few minutes and still retain their sharp, onion flavor. Caramelized onions are a labor of love and taste sweeter.Are caramelized onions supposed to be crispy?
While caramelization is a slower process where onions are sauteed in oil over medium heat until they are browned and softened. Caramelized onions are soft, sweet, salty, and oily while fried onions are crispy and very mildly pungent.Are caramelized onions and grilled onions the same thing?
Actually, you're oxidizing the sugar. This produces a sweeter flavor than either grilled or raw onions. It also turns the onions a brown color, throughout, and yields a jam-like consistency. The flavor will be richer and deeper than a grilled onion.Are caramelized onions actually caramelized?
Onions are naturally sweet; and as caramel comes from the simple cooking of sugar when you slowly cook onions over an extended period of time, the natural sugars in the onions caramelize, making the result intensely and wonderfully flavorful.How to Caramelize Onions Like a Pro | Food Network
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Answer 2
Crispy onions are... well... crispy. They've been carmelized, and then cooked further until the moisture evaporates. A wide pan, lots of thickly-sliced onions (figure at least one good-sized onion per serving; they cook down a lot), medium-low heat, plenty of extra-virgin olive oil, a big pinch of salt, and about an hour. They'll go soft, then caramelize, then dry out and get crispy.
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