| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hour | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 294 | 0.2g | 0g | 73g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 68g | 2g | 1.2g | 0.098g |
I couldn’t be more excited to share this delightful concoction with you – a vegetable-based recipe known as Tropea Onion Jam. While it might not be what comes to mind when you think of traditional Southern cuisine, my Charleston upbringing never hindered my culinary exploration. If anything, it fueled an insatiable curiosity for distinct taste, a flair for unique flavor combinations, and an ardent love for fresh, quality ingredients, not unlike the Tropea onions with their sweet, mild flavor that crowns this recipe.
Beloved Flavors from a Southern Belle’s Kitchen
With roots edged in Southern tradition, growing up, I spent numerous afternoons in the kitchen, inspired by my Grandma’s baking and grand summer barbecues. While we heartily enjoyed our biscuits and fried chicken, any dish made with love and imagination found a place on our table. So, while the Tropea Onion Jam might not be your classic Southern dish, it emphasizes that spirit of creativity and adventure I value dearly in a recipe.
When Coastal Flair Meets Italian Countryside
The gentle sweetness of Tropea onions, a celebrated produce hailing from the Italian Calabria region, combined with sugary notes and the tang of mixed berries, offers a balance of flavors that remind me of good wine. The hint of coastal flair, a deep-rooted part of my Charleston upbringing, shines through in this recipe, inviting reminiscences of joyous dinners featuring diverse seafood, brimming with unique flavors.
Health Benefits and Culinary Pairings
Besides its tantalizing flavor, the Tropea Onion Jam packs an array of health benefits. These onions are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C while providing anti-inflammatory effects. The mixed berries, both fresh and frozen, are also full of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.
As for pairings, this onion jam was practically made for enhancing your favorite cheese spread. Its sweet, tangy profile dazzles alongside a salty brie or sharp cheddar. Equally at home on crusty bread, it’s the perfect addition to a sandwich pulled fresh from a panini press. If you yearn for a Southern touch, why not pair the jam with buttermilk biscuits? Much like a can of biscuits, the culinary potential of this jam is endlessly versatile!
In all, the Tropea Onion Jam is more than just a recipe – it’s an edible journey embracing the spirit of gourmet exploration, a blend of old world flavors and coastal Carolina charm that’s sure to light up your culinary world.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of Tropea onions, finely chopped
- 1.5 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of red wine
- 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar
- 1.5 cups of mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries), fresh or frozen
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of pectin
Method
Step One
Firstly, place the finely chopped Tropea onions, sugar, red wine, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and salt in a large pot. Mix them all together until they’re well combined.
Step Two
Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
Step Three
Add the mixed berries to the pot. If they’re fresh, make sure to wash them thoroughly first. If they’re frozen, there’s no need to thaw them. Just add them directly into the pot.
Step Four
Continue to cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes. The mixture should be reduced by about half and should start to thicken.
Step Five
Stir in the pectin. Let the jam continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes. It should become even thicker, but still slightly runny. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Step Six
Once the jam has reached your preferred consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Let the jam cool for several minutes, then transfer it to sterilized jars. Once the jam is cool, seal the jars and store them in a cool, dark place.
Remember, this jam can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, whether sweet or savory. It can be spread on toast, paired with cheese, or used as a topping for desserts. Enjoy the unique flavors of Tropea Onion Jam!
