Caramelized onions are an easy and delicious way to add amazing flavor to burgers, sandwiches and pizza, but these Curry Caramelized Onions take them to a whole new level. Simple, yet loaded with deep flavor, these onions are slightly sweet with a mild, no-spice curry flavor. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

A fork full of curry caramelized onions

In addition to the dishes mentioned, these caramelized onions are good on, and in just about any savory dish. My favorite is adding them to Indian dishes, like my Indian Aloo Gobi ( potatoes and cauliflower).

An oval serving dish full of Indian aloo gobi

Uses for caramelized onions:

A closeup of curry caramelized onions showing the deep brown color

There are a few simple rules that help in making the best recipe possible:

  • Butter is a must, as this helps them brown.
  • Adding the salt at the beginning helps to draw out the moisture which allows the sugars in the onions to caramelized faster.
  • Leaving the onions alone to allow them to brown in between tossing them.
  • You can’t rush them, but you also don’t have to babysit the onions. As long as the heat is not too high, you can just visit them every 10 minutes to toss as they brown on the bottom.
  • A large pan is a must ( mine is 12-inches/30 cm). It can be non-stick, cast iron or stainless.
  • If the onions are too crowded and piled up, they will steam and not brown.

Spice level

I use a mild curry powder. If you want to spice them up, use a spicy curry powder.

A large pan full of sliced onions
Above is the color and stage where you want to add the spice mix.
Brown, caramelized onions in a pan
The finished product, this is how brown they should be.

If you’ve made these Curry Caramelized Onions or any other recipe, leave a comment below. I love to hear from my readers.

Yield: 4

Curry Caramelized Onions

A copper bowl full of curry caramelized onions

Onions are cooked low and slow with curry powder, coriander and cumin

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 medium onions (11 ounces/312 grams) each
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (replace with more olive oil if you want these vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon mild curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. In a large sauté pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium low heat.
  2. Add the onions, sprinkle with salt and toss into an even layer. Cook the onion stirring/tossing every 10 minutes. Toss each time you see them start to brown on the bottom.
  3. In a small bowl combine the curry powder, coriander and cumin, set aside.
  4. After 30 minutes and the onions have started to soften and start to brown, sprinkle them with the curry mix, toss to coat.
  5. Allow to cook another 15 minutes until they are a nice dark brown (times will vary depending on the size of your pan and amount of onions).

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 101Saturated Fat 2gCholesterol 7mgSodium 150mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 1g