Shallots Caramelized in Date Syrup and Balsamic with homemade date syrup (silan)

👨‍🍳 Method

For the homemade date syrup (silan) ✓ Homemade · or skip – back to store-bought

1. 1
   Put the dates and water in a pot and bring to a boil.

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2. 2
   Cook over low heat 5 minutes and mash the dates with a wooden spoon.

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3. 3
   Line a sieve with thin cloth and set it over a bowl. Pour in the mixture, press the dates with a spoon, gather the edges of the cloth and squeeze well.

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4. 4
   Return the liquid to the pot and reduce over low heat about half an hour, until to a thick syrup.

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5. 5
   Let the date syrup cool.

   Jar

For the Caramelized Onion

1. 6
   Score each shallot with the tip of a knife, boil 2 minutes and peel.

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2. 7
   Heat the oil in a heavy pan and fry the onion and the garlic over medium heat 15 minutes, stirring.

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   💡Onion caramelizes with patience: over medium heat it reaches deep brown in about half an hour, over low heat it takes close to an hour, and over high heat it burns at the edges before it softens. A pinch of salt at the start draws out its liquid, and when it starts to stick, add a tablespoon of water and scrape the bottom.
3. 8
   Add the sugar, thyme and vinegar and cook 10 more minutes, stirring, until the liquid reduces and thickens.

   Stove