Honey-Glazed Shallots with Crispy Bacon and Balsamic
Total Time:40 minutes
Ingredients
1 pound fresh shallots, peeled and left whole
4 strips turkey bacon, diced into small pieces
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup vegetable broth
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
Begin by peeling your shallots. If they are particularly large, you can cut them in half lengthwise, but leaving them whole creates a more impressive presentation for Christmas dinner. Dice the turkey bacon into small, uniform pieces so they crisp up evenly in the pan.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add the diced turkey bacon and cook until it is golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about five to seven minutes. Once finished, use a slotted spoon to remove the turkey bacon and set it aside on a paper towel, leaving the flavorful oils in the pan.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Place the shallots in the pan and cook them for about five to eight minutes, turning them occasionally. You want them to develop a deep, golden-brown sear on all sides, as this caramelization is where all the deep flavor lives.
Pour in the vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the honey, balsamic vinegar, fresh thyme sprigs, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan, allowing the shallots to soften for about ten minutes.
Remove the lid and increase the heat slightly. Continue to cook for another five minutes, or until the liquid has reduced into a thick, syrupy glaze that coats the shallots beautifully. Remove the thyme sprigs, stir the crispy turkey bacon back into the pan, and serve immediately while hot.
