Onion Boil
Hearty one-pot boil combining onions, potatoes, corn, smoked sausage, and optional proteins for a flavorful, communal seafood or casual gathering meal.
Equipment
- 1 large stockpot sufficient to hold all ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 large onions peeled and quartered
- 4 to 5 small red potatoes halved or quartered
- 2 to 3 ears of corn cut into thirds
- 1 to 2 lbs small smoked sausage sliced
- Optional proteins: shrimp crab, or chicken pieces
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 to 2 lemons halved
- 2 to 3 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning or similar seafood seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large stockpot with enough water to cover all ingredients.
- Squeeze lemon halves into the water, then add the lemons to the pot.
- Add garlic, bay leaves, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring water to a boil.
- Add potatoes to the boiling water and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add onions and corn, continue boiling for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add sliced sausage and optional proteins such as shrimp, crab, or chicken pieces.
- Boil until shrimp is pink and opaque (3-5 minutes) or until crab and chicken are fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Drain the water, then transfer the boil to a large serving platter or a table lined with parchment paper for communal serving.
- Optionally, sprinkle additional Old Bay seasoning or chopped parsley for garnish. Serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if adding salt-heavy sausage.
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently.