CONTEST MAIN DISH: Spaghetti With Onions

SPAGHETTI WITH ONIONS
An original recipe by BumbleBeeBoogie

2/3 cup olive oil
3 pounds yellow (not red) onions (or the sweetest white onions you can find)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound spaghetti
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano

The perfect onion caramelization is achieved by cooking the onions over a low but steady heat in a wide-bottomed pan.

Melt the oil in a large saute pan or wide-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onions, red pepper and the salt. (If the onions are more than an inch deep, you may also divide the ingredients between two smaller pans.)

Stir well to combine and cook without stirring for about 5 minutes. Stir once and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. The onions will shrink dramatically as their water cooks out.

When the natural sugar begins to caramelize, stir the onions more often, achieving a golden color without scorches or burns.

Add the vinegar, stir well, remove from the heat and add the oregano, and optional ground pepper, if you like.

Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and add to the onion sauce, tossing over low heat. Serve with the grated Parmesan cheese. Serves 4 or 5.