| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 100 | 0g | 0g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 2g | 1g | 1.75g |
Today, let’s dive into a delightful recipe that I hold dear – Pickled Sweet Onions. This dish is a beautiful union of savory, sweet, and tart, reflecting both my Pacific Northwest roots and my Japanese heritage. It’s not merely a dish – it’s a tale of two worlds, meticulously crafted onto a plate.
The Taste Adventure
Usually, onions are the invisible heroes that add depth to dishes. But in this Pickled Sweet Onions recipe, they shine as the star of the show. A harmony of apple cider vinegar, sugar, and subtle spices transform these everyday vegetables into an irresistible condiment you’ll want to add to every meal. The sweetness of the sugar and onions balance perfectly with the tartness of the vinegar. And don’t you forget the quiet background players – whole peppercorns, coriander, mustard seeds, and an optional kick from the chili flakes.
Health Benefits
Enjoyment aside, this recipe also hides numerous health benefits in its charm. Onions, for instance, are excellent sources of vitamin C, sulphuric compounds, flavonoids and phytochemicals. They’re known to help control blood sugar levels and may also boost bone density. Vinegar, in turn, is reputed for its weight management properties, for controlling blood sugar, and for improving heart health.
Perfect Paring partners
These pickled onions are as versatile as they are delicious. Use a dollop to enliven a bland sandwich; sprinkle them on a garden salad for a tangy twist, or use them to complement the richness of grilled meats. As a lover of seafood dishes, I often use them as an accompaniment to my smoked salmon or even sushi rolls for an added flavor dimension. They are also similar to the Japanese pickled dish “Tsukemono”, known for its bright, bold flavors that balance other elements of a meal.
If you’re curious to try another pickle recipe, I recommend checking out this Bread and Butter pickle recipe from Bon Appétit. And for sushi roll inspiration to pair with your pickled onions, you might like Nami’s sushi roll tutorial over at Just One Cookbook.
Every part of this Pickled Sweet Onions recipe serves as a testament to my passion for incorporating my dual heritage into my culinary adventures. I hope you love it as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 4 sweet onions
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pickling salt
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by peeling the sweet onions. Slice them into about 1/4 inch rounds. Set these aside for now.
Step Two
In a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and pickling salt. Stir this mixture until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
Step Three
Add in the peeled and sliced sweet onions to the saucepan. Then add the whole peppercorns, cloves of garlic, whole coriander seeds, mustard seeds, and the optional dried chili flakes. Continue to stir and let this mixture come to a boil.
Step Four
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. The onions should become slightly tender, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
Step Five
After that, using a slotted spoon, transfer the onions and other ingredients into sterilized jars. Pour the brine vinegar mixture over the onions. Ensure that they are completely submerged in the brine.
Step Six
Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, store the pickled onions in the refrigerator. They will need to stay there for at least a full day before they are ready to be enjoyed.
Step Seven
After a day, your pickled sweet onions are ready to be served. They can last up to a month when stored in the refrigerator.
