Pin A bold and unconventional latte that blends the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions with rich espresso and creamy milk. This avant-garde beverage offers a savory twist on the classic coffee drink, perfect for adventurous palates seeking new flavor frontiers.
I first tried combining caramelized onions with coffee when experimenting for a food art event. The unexpected layers made this latte a fascinating conversation starter among my friends.
Ingredients
- Yellow onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: Pinch
- Espresso: 2 shots (60 ml), freshly brewed
- Whole milk: 300 ml or oat milk
- Honey or maple syrup: 1 teaspoon, optional for sweetness
Instructions
- Prepare the onion base:
- Melt butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onion, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden, about 12 to 15 minutes. Low and slow yields the best flavor.
- Blend the caramelized onions:
- Transfer caramelized onions and any pan juices to a blender. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and blend until completely smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a silky texture.
- Make the latte:
- Brew 2 shots of espresso and divide evenly between two cups. Add 1 tablespoon of strained onion purée to each cup, stirring well to combine.
- Froth the milk:
- Heat remaining milk until steaming. Froth using milk frother or whisk until creamy and foamy.
- Assemble:
- Pour frothed milk over espresso-onion mixture. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired. Stir and serve immediately.
Pin This latte sparked a family debate about savory flavors in desserts, but everyone agreed it was worth trying at least once. My sister paired hers with a cheese croissant for extra flair.
Required Tools
Skillet, blender, fine-mesh sieve, espresso machine or strong coffee maker, milk frother or whisk.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy from milk and butter. For vegan or dairy-free, substitute plant-based alternatives. No gluten, eggs, or nuts, but always verify product labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 110 per serving. Total Fat: 4 g. Carbohydrates: 15 g. Protein: 4 g.
Pin Serve your onion latte immediately for the freshest flavor and enjoy the savory twist with a bakery snack.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, sweet onions like Vidalia or red onion add mild, nuanced flavors. Experiment for your preferred taste.
- → Is this suitable for vegans?
Absolutely—replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly option.
- → How do I achieve smooth onion purée?
Blend caramelized onion with milk thoroughly, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a silky texture.
- → What can I use instead of an espresso machine?
Strongly brewed coffee using a French press or stovetop maker works well if espresso isn't available.
- → Can I adjust sweetness?
Sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste, or omit for a fully savory beverage.
- → Suggested pairings?
This bold latte complements sharp cheese croissants or savory pastries beautifully.