Balsamic-Roasted Shallots

By MooK

Ingredients

• 1 pound shallots, the larger ones halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• A three-finger pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon thyme, finely chopped, plus a few whole sprigs
• 2 tablespoons sherry
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 400° F. Put olive oil in an ovenproof skillet. (Alternatively, you can brown the shallots in whatever pan you like, and then transfer them into a baking dish).

Add the brown sugar, mix to just combine, then add shallots, cut-side down if you've halved any. Brown over medium heat for 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, or as soon as a beautiful brown crust has developed on the first side. Take the pan off of the heat, and add everything else -- salt, thyme, sherry, vinegar -- shake the pan a bit, and then cover with foil and roast in the oven until completely cooked through.

Depending on the size of your shallots, this can take anywhere from 25 to 40 minutes -- test with a knife every 5 minutes beginning at the 25-minute mark. Serve warm.