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    Home » Sides » Double the Onions, Please!

    Double the Onions, Please!

    Aug 1, 2017 · by Valentina · 62 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

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    My mom sautéed onions daily, and whenever dining out, she'd say "double the onions, please." 

    Pan filled with golden onion slices.

    I’m flooded with wonderful memories of my mom daily -- in all aspects of my life. And especially when I cook.

    Valentina when she was little with her mom holding her.
    My mom and me.

    There are so many things I could talk about in my mom’s memory: her exquisite antique collection, the stunning home she designed in Pacific Palisades, and lived in with my dad for over 50 years, the 2,000 plus trees she was responsible for planting in the community, what a loving mother she was and so on.

    Here, I'm sharing her love of onions. This might sound like it's a small thing, or odd thing to focus on, but it's not. Growing up, it was a part of every day. And continued to be.

    The scent of sautéing onions . . . .

    Walking home from Pali High, almost as soon as I'd turn right onto Wildomar St. from Northfield St., I'd start to get a hint of the sautéing onions. And when I'd open the door to the house, that scent wafted all the way up the halls to the front door. This was what happened every single school day.

    And when I’d sleep in on the weekends, I’d awake to the delicious smell of the caramelizing onions. Every single weekend.

    And every day around five in the afternoon, the scent of the sautéing onions would travel through the hallways, making its way into every room. Every day!

    In addition to whatever delicious food my mom was cooking on her beautiful O’Keefe and Merritt stove, which had belonged to my grandmother (her mom), there was always a pan of onions going. Always.

    She was simply not in the kitchen without cooking onions. It was the start of every savory dish — the foundation. Of course garlic would likely make its way in eventually, but it was never quite as important as the onions were.

    Antique white stovew in a very cool kitchen with stainless steel drawer dishwasher.
    My mom's kitchen she designed with my grandmother's stove.

    No recipes needed . . .

    My mom rarely, if ever, used a recipe. If she did, it was only as a guide, and it featured her own notes penciled into the margins.

    Her every dish was spot on. The flavor combinations were always perfectly crafted. We’re talking about the types of flavors you could never get enough of, even if you were full.  Second and third helpings were always had in my house. Always.

    She cooked with whole, healthy ingredients, and whenever possible, they were from my dad’s backyard garden.

    My-Mom running to my toddler son on the grass.
    My mom with my first born when he was little.

    Beginning with onions (of course!), my mom created masterpieces from leftovers. Her meals had many secret ingredients, which were often from the surplus of dipping sauces she would collect from her favorite Thai restaurant, Cholada (specifically the one that came alongside the Kanom Jeep (steamed wontons filled with chestnuts and ground pork and topped with roasted minced garlic). It was smoky, a little spicy and the flavors were deep and rich.

    My mom never — never ever — ordered anything in a restaurant without extra onions. Whether it was a pizza, a chicken dish, a salad, you name it, she’d say, “double the onions, please.”

    My mom holding my baby boy in rocking chair.
    My mom and my second born when he was a baby.

    I hope you'll fill your home with the scent of sautéing onions, as my mom would . . . .

    Sauteed Onions in cast iron skillet

    Quick Caramelized Onions

    Valentina K. Wein
    My mom sautéed delicious onions daily, and whenever dining out, she'd say "double the onions, please." My entire family loves her quick caramelized onions with pretty much everything.
    *Use whatever measurements you'd like.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish, Ingredient
    Cuisine American
    Calories

    Ingredients
      

    • olive oil
    • onions, thinly sliced
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a heavy-bottomed sauté pan.
    • Add thinly sliced onions and place the pan over medium heat.
    • Sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are as golden as you’d like. My mom liked them caramelized, but with a bit of a crunch, which for about 2 cups of sliced onions, would be about 15 to 20 minutes.
    • Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Here's How to Season to Taste.)
    Keywords great side dishes for meats and stews
    Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Priscilla

      August 01, 2017 at 7:51 pm

      What a lovely tribute, Valentina. I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom did many wonderful things and your love lives on, heightened by the aroma of caramelized onions.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:15 pm

        Thank you so much, Priscilla. xo

        Reply
    2. Judy

      August 01, 2017 at 8:31 pm

      5 stars
      An incredible tribute to your mom. You will carry her memory with you always, yet each time you smell onions cooking you'll know that she's smiling at you.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:15 pm

        Love this, Judy. Thank you. xo

        Reply
    3. Sue schmidt

      August 01, 2017 at 8:58 pm

      Love and sympathy to you and your family, Valentina. I will step up my sautéing of onions and think of you and your mom. Thanks to her we have two large and beautiful trees in our parkway.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:16 pm

        Thank you, Sue. Oh, I love that your parkway trees are a result of my mom's efforts. That makes me happy. xo

        Reply
    4. SueB

      August 01, 2017 at 9:28 pm

      So sorry to hear the news, Valentina. Sending love and condolences to you.

      I hope you will continue to share wonderful memories of and recipes from your mother.

      Blessings.

      Bring on the onions!

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:17 pm

        Thank you very much, Sue. xo (P.S. Buzz and I miss you!)

        Reply
    5. Caz McLaughlin

      August 01, 2017 at 9:44 pm

      Our condolences to you and your family, Valentina, in the loss of your dear mother. May her inspirations and love of onions live forever in your hearts. Caz & Gaz [Australia]

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:17 pm

        I so appreciate this. Many thanks and much love.

        Reply
    6. Christina

      August 01, 2017 at 10:14 pm

      Oh Valentina, I can only imagine how bittersweet it will be whenever you smell the aroma of caramelizing onions! What a lovely post. I am so very sorry for your loss, but as you said, there is solace in knowing she is at peace. Hugs.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:18 pm

        Thank you, Christina. xo

        Reply
    7. Aimee

      August 01, 2017 at 10:29 pm

      Such a beautiful tribute Valen. I had no idea that she cooked onions everyday - love learning that about her. I've been doing lots of remembering. I keep thinking of how when we were little your house was this big mysterious place with closed rooms full of stuff, and a backyard we couldn't really play in because it was full of piles of wood and stones, and tiles and more stuff. And then slowly but surely your mom transformed the whole house into this amazing wonderland. One absolutely stunning room at a time. What amazing vision, patience and perseverance to create.

      And I adore that pic of your mom and Mason!

      Love you!

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:19 pm

        I just love you describe the piles (of stuff!) disappearing and the rooms coming together in the house. So true. And yes, she sure did have a vision! Love you!

        Reply
    8. Jeanne @jollytomato

      August 01, 2017 at 10:42 pm

      What a wonderful tribute to your mom! I am so very sorry for this tremendous loss but I am so glad to hear that you have such happy memories of her that will live on in your kitchen. Sending much love...

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:20 pm

        Thanks so much, Jeanne. xo

        Reply
    9. Deb|EastofEdenCooking

      August 02, 2017 at 7:35 am

      What soulful, beautiful memories of your mom. The loss of one's mother is life changing. Cherish all the time you had with her, keep her close while you grieve. Sending hugs and peaceful thoughts to comfort you as you begin your life without her.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:20 pm

        Thank you, Deb. I know you understand, and I so appreciate your kind words. Much love. xo

        Reply
    10. Liz Schmitt

      August 02, 2017 at 8:14 am

      5 stars
      After I lost my beloved mother, cooking her favorites in my kitchen became and remains such a comfort. Making my summer pickles today and I will remember your Mom as I slice the sweet onions.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:21 pm

        Thank you so much, Liz. I hope the pickles turned out great, and love that cooking your mom's food brings you comfort, too. xo

        Reply
    11. Julie B.

      August 02, 2017 at 11:33 am

      Valentina, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your lovely mom. When I think about her cooking what I remember most clearly is her love of chocolate! I still have her handwritten recipe for chocolate cheesecake - delicious and always made with love.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:22 pm

        Julie, I just love that you have her handwritten recipe. She LOVED that cheesecake so much. Thank you. xoxo

        Reply
    12. Adrienne Salinger

      August 02, 2017 at 12:13 pm

      Beautifully written, Valentina. Carole will be missed so much.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:22 pm

        Thank you, Adrienne. xoxo

        Reply
    13. Marcellina

      August 02, 2017 at 2:06 pm

      I don't know you or your mother but I was moved to write by your post in honour of your mom. I know loss, my mum passed away when I was 9 and my dad pass away 3 years ago after suffering with dementia. It's these moments, the simple frying of onions, that we remember in a special way. While a the time she didn't know it, she was giving you something for when she was no longer here. Talk about her often, remember her always and take care of yourself.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:26 pm

        Hi Marcellina,
        Thank you so very much for this note. I'm sorry you lost your dad at such a young age, and how hard it must have been to loose your mom a few years ago, too. Thank you for sharing your thoughts -- I just love what your wrote . . . about how she didn't even know the gift (of a lovely memory) she was giving me all of those times she sautéed the onions. Much love to you, Valentina

        Reply
    14. Cathy A

      August 02, 2017 at 2:26 pm

      What wonderful memories you have of your mother Valentina. I can only imagine how remarkable of a woman she was. I am so sorry for your loss.

      I will saute onions in her honor... and then double it.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:24 pm

        Thank you so much, Cathy. (For sautéing and doubling, too.) xo

        Reply
    15. Adair @ Lentil Breakdown

      August 02, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      I can tell by looking at your mom that I liked her. And her onions, of course! She had to be both a wonderful cook and mother, as the proof is in the pudding and the progeny. XO

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 02, 2017 at 7:23 pm

        You are so sweet, Adair. Thank you so much. xo

        Reply
    16. David

      August 03, 2017 at 3:24 pm

      Sweet and loving Post, Valentina. I'm so sorry for you and your family, and am so glad you have so many wonderful memories to get you through this difficult time. I will think of your mom every time I sauté onions now...

      One of my closest friends from college suffers from Parkinson's disease, and I am a regular contributor to the Michael J Fox Foundation. I will make my next donation in memory of your mother.

      Wishing you peace and light – with big hugs,
      David

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 03, 2017 at 3:54 pm

        David, I'm so grateful we've made such a good connection through the food world. You've been so supportive of my recipe writing -- and on a personal level, too. I wish your friend with Parkinson's well, and my whole family appreciates the contribution. It's been a tough year, but we're all looking towards lighter times. Thank you and much love to you and Mark, Valentina XOXO

        Reply
        • David Scott Allen

          February 21, 2025 at 12:05 pm

          Almost eight years since I last wrote — hard to believe. I love getting a glimpse into your parents’ home — all the memories must really be so important now.

          My friend is still doing pretty well with his Parkinson’s — he had surgery for deep brain stimulation which has been very effective.

          I really appreciate our friendship so much… I can’t wait for us to meet in person someday.

          Reply
          • Valentina

            February 26, 2025 at 10:16 pm

            Hard to believe I first published this 8 yrs ago, when my mom passed away. Thank you for revisiting it, David. I'm happy to hear your friend is doing well. It's so great that there are more and more new treatments to try. I appreciate our friendship, too. One day we'll meet over a delicious meal. 🙂 ~Valentina

            Reply
    17. Kelly

      August 04, 2017 at 6:17 pm

      I'm so sorry for your loss Valentina but I know your mom is looking down and smelling the wonderful waft of onions that now you and so many others (including me!) are cooking in her honor. What a nice tribute to amazing woman!

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 04, 2017 at 8:06 pm

        Thank you so much, Kelly. So appreciate this. Good thing we all love onions! 😉 xo

        Reply
    18. sippitysup

      August 18, 2017 at 10:03 am

      I'll "double the onions" the next time I'm in the kitchen and think of this lovely tribute to a beautiful woman. XOGREG

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 19, 2017 at 9:37 pm

        Thank you, Greg. xoxo

        Reply
    19. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious

      July 30, 2018 at 12:15 am

      Valentina, I missed this originally a year ago, awash in my own similar circumstances, but am so glad to see it now. It's a wonderful remembrance, and I am doubling the onions from here on out, in her honor.

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 30, 2018 at 10:55 am

        Awww, thank you so much Dorothy. xoxo

        Reply
    20. Eha Carr

      February 15, 2025 at 11:37 pm

      Words fail but the warmest hugs are travelling the Pacific thanking you for sharing whilst remembering . . . I'll also remember next time there is the opportunity to double the onions!

      Reply
      • Valentina

        February 19, 2025 at 8:55 pm

        Thanks for the hug, Eha. Enjoy the onions. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    21. Romi Laine

      February 16, 2025 at 12:40 am

      So touched by your email Valen with the images of the house and this recipe post sparking so many memories.
      Oh that house was feast for the senses, from kitchen aromas to blooming gardens, dogs scrambling through hallways, hidden rooms with treasures, stairways spiraling upward, and endless projects handcrafted to life by your parents creativity. Your home and its stories are etched into my spirit forever.
      I can smell your mom’s onions sautéing through the page and see her warm smile. Thank you for ignited the essence of Carol here and now as you share this with all of us.. and remind us to double up!! Love you.

      Reply
      • Valentina

        February 19, 2025 at 9:09 pm

        Double up! I love it. 🙂 Thank you for all of these loving and kind words. Means so much that the house made such a positive impression on you. XOXO ~Valentina

        Reply
    22. Mimi Rippee

      February 16, 2025 at 5:53 am

      Oh my goodness. What a uniquely gorgeous house. This is so sad. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. I love the tribute to your beautiful Mom. And I’m glad she didn’t know about the devastating demise of her home.

      Reply
      • Valentina

        February 19, 2025 at 9:12 pm

        Thank you, Mimi. Yes, I'm very grateful my parents didn't see this happen. I don't know how my mom would've dealt with it. Thank you for the kind words. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    23. Tracey A

      February 16, 2025 at 6:02 am

      I know that people can't even begin to fathom the loss and heartache you are all experiencing. I have been praying for all of you. God bless you.

      Reply
      • Valentina

        February 19, 2025 at 9:14 pm

        Thank you so much, Tracey. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    24. Elaine Punchard

      February 16, 2025 at 6:28 am

      My heart goes out to everyone who lost their family homes due to fires. There is something that disasters can't take from you though, and that is your precious memories of time spent in the home and your mum frying onions. Take care and best wishes for the future

      Reply
      • Valentina

        February 19, 2025 at 9:15 pm

        Elaine, I really appreciate this. I will definitely cherish the memories always. Thank you. ~Valentina

        Reply
    25. Alicia Silka

      February 16, 2025 at 7:43 am

      You have captured and preserved your memories so beautifully in your words, pictures and recipe. Thank you for sharing this onion snippet of your world. That house truly was a landmark, and your mom was an icon of the village.

      Reply
      • Valentina

        February 19, 2025 at 8:57 pm

        Thank you so much, Alicia. ~Valentina

        Reply
    26. Cate Bendock

      February 16, 2025 at 8:27 am

      I’ve never met you personally, but with a post like this I feel we’ve known each other as kindred souls. I’ve followed you for sometime now because your post are real, fun, and full of joy. Thank you for making our lives so full of love.

      Reply
      • Valentina

        February 19, 2025 at 9:07 pm

        Hi Cate. What a lovely note. It's so rewarding to hear things like this -- thank you for being such a loyal reader and for the kind words. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    27. Elizabeth Foley

      February 16, 2025 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      My dear Valentina,

      Very sorry for your losses in this fire. I miss seeing you and your family since we moved away. It is good to see you writing and what a lovely story. Tears. Love and beauty. You are lucky. I'm glad her spirit and the spirit of that love lives on and that your life is such a tribute to it. So glad you continue....

      Reply
      • Valentina

        February 19, 2025 at 9:17 pm

        Hi Elizabeth. Thank you so much. Love and beauty, indeed. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    28. Ultra

      February 16, 2025 at 7:57 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing the beautiful memories and photos of your Mom and you and your children. I am very sorry for your loss and wish you could all rebuild and create new memories while keeping the old ones.

      Reply
      • Valentina

        February 19, 2025 at 8:52 pm

        Thank you so much for the kind words. ~Valentina

        Reply
    29. pilar moreno casas

      February 19, 2025 at 1:27 pm

      5 stars
      ME ENCANTA!!!
      GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR

      Reply
      • Valentina

        February 19, 2025 at 8:40 pm

        Muchas gracias, hermana!!!

        Reply
    30. Lise Selznick

      February 20, 2025 at 3:40 pm

      Tears run down my smiling face as I read this...just the way you've described everything, I too can smell her onions! lol
      You were so right about their house and how special, how magical it was. I had the honor of seeing it a couple of times, and your little slice of heaven kitchen in the back! My heart hurts knowing it's all gone, and knowing she's no longer here to fill your bellies with carmalized onions and her rich and savory golden recipes. Yet you embody everything she is and was. Your love of cooking, your artistry of loving all rich and beautiful textures and things, all live on because of her. You keep her spirit alive and the memories of your childhood and your home will always be stored in your heart. The beauty of it all is that you had it, you did it, and it belonged to you then and still does now. Sending you big hugs and all delicious things to come! xox

      Reply
      • Valentina

        February 26, 2025 at 9:53 pm

        Lise, Thank you so very much for the kind, loving words. I really appreciate it. xo Valentina

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Valentina, certified chef, owner, recipe developer and photographer at Cooking on the Weekends. I'm also a mom of two boys and a Los Angeleno. I use seasonal whole foods to create unique and comforting recipes for casual entertaining.

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