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Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil: A Sweet & Spicy Masterpiece

Caramelized Onion Pasta with Chilli Oil
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This dish reminds me of quiet dinners after a long day, when simple ingredients come together like magic. Slow-cooked onions turn sweet and golden, then swirl into pasta kissed with homemade chili oil. It’s humble, comforting, and surprisingly bold—just like the best moments in life.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced

  • 3 tbsp olive oil (plus more for chili oil)

  • 1 tsp butter

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • Salt to taste

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)

  • Optional: chopped parsley or grated Parmesan

Instructions

  • In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and butter over low heat.

  • Add sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and sugar. Cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until golden and caramelized.

  • Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

  • For chili oil: heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pan and add red pepper flakes. Let it sizzle for 30 seconds, then remove from heat.

  • Toss cooked pasta with caramelized onions and enough pasta water to loosen the sauce.

  • Drizzle with chili oil and garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Add garlic during the last 5 minutes of caramelizing for extra depth.

  • Use shallots for a slightly sweeter flavor.

  • Control the spice by adjusting the chili flakes or using mild chili oil.

Nutrition

Find it online: http://recipes.swedishinarabic.net/caramelized-onion-pasta-with-chilli-oil-a-sweet-spicy-masterpiece/