PEARL ONIONS BAKED WITH THYME, GARLIC AND PARMESAN

PEARL ONIONS BAKED WITH THYME, GARLIC AND PARMESAN image

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

18 oz. pearl onions, @ 3/1/4 C
2 TBS butter
2 TBS flour
1 1/4 C milk
1 tsp. crushed garlic
Scant 3/4 tsp dried thyme
3/4 tsp salt
Fresh ground pepper
2 TBS grated parmigiano-reggiano

Steps:

Blanch onions in rapidly boiling water until papery skin begins to come free, about 3 minutes. Remove and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking. Using sharp paring knife, peel onions, leaving root end intact. Pat dry and set aside Heat butter in 12" skillet over medium heat. When hot, stir in flour. Cook until bubbling and smooth, about 3 minutes. Stir in milk and cook until smooth. Add garlic, thyme, salt and pepper to state. Stir until sauce is thickened. Add blanched onions. Mix well. Transfer mixture to greased shallow 4-cup baking dish. Spread sooth. Can be made 2 days ahead to this point and refrigerated, covered airtight. Uncover and bring to room temp before using. Sprinkle with cheese and bake at 350, uncovered, until lightly browned and bubbling, about 50 min.