Description

This creamed pearl onion recipe features tender, sweet pearl onions enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce, brightened by za’atar seasoning and finished with fresh pomegranate seeds and mint. It’s a healthy, hearty vegetable side dish perfect for family dinners, even appealing to kids.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb frozen pearl onions, thawed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
0.5 cup heavy cream
0.5 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 teaspoons za’atar seasoning blend
0.25 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
5–6 fresh mint leaves, finely chiffonaded

Instructions

Prep Onions: Place the thawed pearl onions in a medium saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the onions are tender-crisp. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Melt and Sauté Butter: In a separate medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until shimmering.
Make Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a smooth, pale golden roux.
Whisk in Liquids: Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Continue whisking as the sauce thickens, ensuring no lumps.
Simmer and Thicken Sauce: Stir in the freshly grated nutmeg, fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and za’atar seasoning blend. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for 3-5 minutes until it reaches a creamy, spoon-coating consistency. Add the drained pearl onions and simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing them to tenderize and absorb flavors.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat. Spoon into bowls, scatter with fresh pomegranate seeds, and sprinkle with finely chiffonaded fresh mint leaves for garnish.

Notes

If the sauce looks too thin, continue simmering gently, stirring often, until it coats the back of a spoon. Fresh pearl onions can be blanched and peeled if preferred over frozen. Plant-based butter can be used for a dairy-free option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
Calories: 170 calories
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 380 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 48 mg

Keywords: creamed pearl onions, vegetable side, za'atar, easy dinner, family friendly, healthy side, Middle Eastern, comfort food, weeknight meal