Savory twist: Red onion preserves elevate holiday meals
Do preserves make you think of a sweet, fruity taste? Those are the most popular but can also be made in a savory version. My favorite is the one with red onion; it's perfect for many holiday dishes.
During festive holiday gatherings, we often focus on exquisite side dishes. Beetroot relish, horseradish, tartar sauce, or cranberry sauce work well to accompany pâté and roasted meats, which appear on the table on the first day of the holidays. Although I've been preparing something else for years, this side dish is the most popular.
How to surprise your guests?
It's red onion preserves. Not everyone is familiar with onion in this form yet, and it's a true delight for the palate. Additionally, the recipe is simple, and the ingredients are inexpensive. It's easy to prepare and surprise your guests. It pairs well not only with meat delicacies but also with cheeses. Besides red onions, you only need a few more ingredients—vinegar, red wine, sugar, honey, and spices. You can also add raisins or cranberries to these preserves for a more pronounced sweet accent.
Red is healthier
It's best to make red onion preserves right away to have on hand. They can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. Once you savor them, you'll find they complement even plain sandwiches, enhancing the flavor of any dish. It's best to prepare them with fresh, firm onions. The red ones are not only milder in taste but also more nutritious than white ones. They have a higher amount of dietary fiber and minerals. Red onions are considered the healthiest because they contain the most nutrients.
Red Onion Preserves
Ingredients:
- 2 lb of red onions
- 1/2 cup of dry red wine
- 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
- 3 oz of dark brown sugar
- Honey to taste
- 4 tablespoons of raisins or cranberries
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1-2 bay leaves
- Salt, pepper, and coriander to taste
Preparation Method:
- Peel the onions and slice them thinly.
- Add them to heated olive oil, sauté, and then simmer covered on low heat for about 30 minutes.
- Next, add sugar and honey, and continue to simmer until the onions soften and achieve a caramel flavor. This may take over half an hour.
- Add raisins or cranberries, wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, wine, and season to taste. Continue to simmer the onion; the preserves are ready when thickened.
- Transfer the hot preserves to washed and sterilized jars, and seal them.
- When the preserves cool, place the jars in the refrigerator.
