When it comes to adding depth and complexity to your cooking, few ingredients are as versatile or flavorful as shallots. Paired with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley, the possibilities are endless. From creamy risottos to roasted meats, crispy breads, and savory sauces, we’ve gathered 20 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the best of shallots and fresh herbs. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, these recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll explore a range of dishes that highlight the sweetness and subtlety of caramelized shallots, as well as their ability to add a pungent punch to sauces and marinades. With fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley adding a fragrant twist, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your repertoire.
Creamy Shallot and Mushroom Risotto
A rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish, this creamy risotto is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large shallot, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Arborio rice and stir to coat with oil and mix with mushroom mixture. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add white wine (if using) and cook until absorbed. Then, add 1/2 cup warmed broth and stir until liquid is mostly absorbed. Repeat this process, adding broth in 1/2 cup increments, stirring constantly, for about 20-25 minutes or until rice is creamy.
5. Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: About 25-30 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Shallot Mashed Potatoes
Transform your mashed potatoes into a rich and flavorful side dish by incorporating the deep, sweet flavors of roasted garlic and shallots. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large Russet potatoes
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 2 medium shallots, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
3. Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, sauté chopped shallots in butter until softened and translucent.
5. Mash roasted garlic, shallots, and potatoes together with heavy cream or milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Caramelized Shallot and Goat Cheese Tart
A sweet and savory tart that combines the richness of caramelized shallots with the creaminess of goat cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a large skillet, cook shallots over medium heat until caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Brush pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with salt. Top with caramelized shallots, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Crumble goat cheese over the shallots and drizzle with honey.
6. Fold edges of pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Grilled Steak with Shallot Butter
Elevate your grilled steak game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of butter and caramelized shallots. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds flank steak
– 4 large shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add sliced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 15-20 minutes).
3. Season steak with salt and pepper.
4. Grill steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired level of doneness.
5. Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
6. Serve sliced steak with spoonful of shallot butter on top. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Shallot and Thyme Roasted Chicken
Elevate your roast chicken game with this aromatic recipe featuring sweet shallots and fragrant thyme. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 large shallots, peeled and sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sliced shallots, olive oil, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the chicken cavity with the shallot mixture.
5. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Shallots and Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your side dish game with this sweet and tangy recipe, featuring caramelized shallots and tender Brussels sprouts glazed with a rich balsamic reduction.
Ingredients:
– 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the shallot slices and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until caramelized.
3. Remove the shallots from the skillet and set aside. Add the Brussels sprouts to the same skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey until well combined.
5. Add the glaze to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat.
6. Return the caramelized shallots to the skillet and toss again to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Shallot and White Wine Cream Sauce for Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and flavorful sauce made with caramelized shallots, white wine, and heavy cream. Perfect as a base for a variety of pasta dishes.
Ingredients:
– 3 large shallots, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Add the white wine to the saucepan and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss the sauce with cooked pasta, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
French Onion Soup with Caramelized Shallots
Elevate the classic French onion soup by adding sweet and savory caramelized shallots to the mix. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 large shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 6 cups beef broth
– 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 4 slices baguette, toasted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 20-25 minutes).
2. Add the sliced shallots to the saucepan and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are dark golden brown.
3. Add the beef broth, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes.
4. Preheat broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-proof bowls, topping each with toasted baguette slices and grated Gruyère cheese.
5. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Shallot and Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Elevate your meal with this aromatic bread, infused with the sweetness of caramelized shallots and the piney flavor of rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Arrange shallot slices and rosemary sprigs on top.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar (if using).
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Shallot Beurre Blanc
Elevate your seafood game with this elegant and flavorful dish featuring succulent scallops paired with a rich shallot beurre blanc sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
2. Heat one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced shallots and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until caramelized and golden.
4. Add the white wine to the skillet and stir to deglaze. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
6. Serve the scallops with the shallot beurre blanc sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shallot and Gruyère Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizers with this rich and savory recipe, featuring earthy mushrooms filled with a flavorful shallot and Gruyère mixture.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium skillet, sauté the chopped shallots in butter until translucent.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the shallot mixture, dividing it evenly among the mushrooms.
4. Top each stuffed mushroom with grated Gruyère cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon and Shallot Roasted Asparagus
Brighten up your springtime meals with this simple yet flavorful recipe, where the natural sweetness of asparagus is elevated by a zesty lemon and shallot combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves shallots, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus, then sprinkle shallots and lemon juice evenly among the stalks.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast for 12-15 minutes or until asparagus is tender and slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Shallot and Dijon Vinaigrette Salad
A classic salad gets a boost from sweet shallots and tangy Dijon mustard, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Croutons or shaved Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, and white wine vinegar until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and thinly sliced shallots.
3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with croutons or shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Braised Beef Short Ribs with Shallots
A hearty and comforting dish perfect for a chilly evening. Tender short ribs slow-cooked in a rich beef broth, accompanied by sweet and savory caramelized shallots.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 beef short ribs
– 2 large shallots, peeled and halved
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add beef broth, red wine (if using), and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
6. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours or until tender and falling off the bone.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with caramelized shallots (cook halved shallots in the braising liquid for an additional 30 minutes).
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Shallot and Parmesan Crisps
Elevate your snacking game with these crispy, flavorful shallot and Parmesan crisps. Perfect for a quick bite or as a topping for soups and salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded is best)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the shallot slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the shallots and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the shallots are caramelized and crispy, flipping halfway through.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shallot and Herb Roasted Potatoes
This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of shallots and the earthy flavor of potatoes, enhanced by a blend of aromatic herbs. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange potato wedges in a single layer.
4. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the potatoes, then sprinkle shallots and herbs evenly.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Shallot and Garlic Confit
Transform shallots and garlic into a rich, caramelized spread perfect for topping bread, using as a dip, or adding to sauces. This confit is a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 shallots, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced shallots and minced garlic.
3. Pour in olive oil, making sure the shallot mixture is fully coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish or ramekin.
6. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until shallots are caramelized and dark golden brown.
Cooking Time: 1 1/2 hours
Shallot and Red Wine Reduction for Steak
Elevate your steak game with this rich and flavorful reduction made with caramelized shallots and red wine. Perfect as a sauce or a topping, it’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown (about 20 minutes).
2. Add red wine, garlic, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
4. Strain reduction through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Discard solids.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Shallot and Sage Brown Butter Sauce
Elevate your dishes with this rich and savory sauce, perfect for pasta, vegetables, or meats.
Ingredients:
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
– 2 shallots, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to caramelize.
3. Add the chopped sage leaves and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the butter turns a deep golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. If desired, add the white wine or chicken broth and stir to combine.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Shallot and Bacon Jam Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with this addictive combination of caramelized shallots, crispy bacon, and toasted baguette slices. Perfect for parties or a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 baguette, toasted and cut into 1-inch slices
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the sliced shallots over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they reach a deep golden brown.
2. Add the cooked bacon, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
3. Toast the baguette slices and top each with a spoonful of the shallot-bacon jam.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cooking with these 20 savory recipes that showcase the flavor and versatility of shallots and fresh herbs. From creamy risottos and roasted vegetables, to tangy sauces and crispy snacks, there’s something for everyone. Discover how to caramelize shallots for sweet and sticky toppings, or incorporate them into bold butters and jams. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newcomer, these recipes are sure to inspire your next meal.
