ONION, RAISIN, AND GARLIC COMPOTE

Onion, Raisin, and Garlic Compote image

Yield Makes about 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound pearl onions
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
24 garlic cloves, peeled
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups tawny Port
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
4 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

Steps:

Bring large saucepan of water to boil. Add onions. Boil 2 minutes. Drain. Rinse under cold water. Peel onions. Trim root end slightly, leaving root base intact.
Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and bay leaf. Sauté until garlic is golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add Port, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Simmer 8 minutes. Add onions and raisins. Simmer until onions are tender, stirring occasionally, about 9 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in thyme. Discard bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before serving.) Serve warm.