Prepare to transform ordinary baby onions into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for more! This Sweet and Sour Baby Onions recipe is not just a side dish – it's a flavor journey that combines tangy vinegar, rich sugar, and perfectly glazed onions into a mouthwatering sensation that will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, this recipe promises a delightful balance of sweet and sour that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: International
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g baby onions, peeled
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and peel the baby onions, ensuring they are clean and free from any outer papery skin.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the liquid mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sugar from burning.
- Add the peeled baby onions to the simmering liquid, ensuring they are evenly distributed and mostly submerged.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the onions cook slowly, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and glazing.
- Continue cooking for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the onions become tender and the liquid reduces to a thick, glossy syrup.
- Occasionally test the onions with a fork to check for tenderness. They should be soft but still hold their shape.
- Remove from heat and let the onions cool in the sweet and sour sauce for a few minutes to absorb additional flavor.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm as a side dish or condiment.
Tips
- Peeling Perfection: To make peeling baby onions easier, briefly blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water. The skins will slip off effortlessly.
- Sugar Caution: Stir the sugar mixture constantly to prevent burning and ensure an even, glossy caramelization.
- Low and Slow: Cooking the onions on low heat is crucial for developing deep flavor and achieving that perfect tender-yet-firm texture.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra flavor dimension, consider adding a pinch of dried thyme or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the cooking liquid.
- Make-Ahead Magic: These onions actually taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare them in advance and reheat gently before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: These sweet and sour onions are incredibly versatile – serve as a side dish, a condiment for grilled meats, or even as a unique addition to salads and charcuterie boards.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 149kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
