Onion preserved in balsamic vinegar

Balsamic Vinegar Pickled Onions

Looking for a savory way to preserve onions and add a sophisticated touch to your meals? This balsamic vinegar pickled onion recipe is perfect for turning a simple vegetable into a flavorful delicacy. Pickled onions are not only an excellent accompaniment to various dishes but can also become a delicious snack. Let’s discover together the necessary steps to achieve a perfect result!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Maceration time: 5 hours
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 hours and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4 jars of 500 g

Ingredients:
- 600 g small onions
- 500 g white wine vinegar
- 100 ml balsamic vinegar
- 70 g sugar
- sea salt (to taste)
- 3 garlic cloves
- mustard seeds (about 1 teaspoon)
- allspice (2-3 berries)
- peppercorns (about 10-12)
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick

Brief history of the recipe
Preserving vegetables in vinegar is a traditional practice that dates back centuries, used to prolong the shelf life of food and intensify flavors. Onions, with their sweet-bitter taste and crunchy texture, become a delicacy when pickled. This recipe combines the tangy note of balsamic vinegar with the sweetness of onions, resulting in a dish that can accompany various meals or be enjoyed as an appetizer.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the onions
Start by peeling the onions. Cut off the tops and tails, leaving a bit of the root to keep them intact. Then, place the onions in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them sit for about a minute, then rinse with cold water. This will help remove the skins more easily.

2. Cleaning the onions
After rinsing the onions, begin removing the outer layers. Make sure the onions are well cleaned, and the root remains intact to help them hold their shape.

3. Macerating the onions
Place the cleaned onions in a bowl and sprinkle sea salt over them. Cover the bowl tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 4-5 hours. This will allow the onions to release their water, giving them a better texture after pickling.

4. Boiling the pickling liquid
In a pot, add the white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, cinnamon, mustard seeds, and allspice. Mix the ingredients and bring to a boil. Let it boil for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to completely dissolve the sugar.

5. Preparing the jars
Sterilize the 500 g jars and their lids. This step is essential to prevent contamination, ensuring that your onions will be properly preserved.

6. Filling the jars
In each jar, add a bay leaf, a few garlic cloves, peppercorns, and mustard seeds. Then, add the onions, mixing them with the flavored ingredients. Use cherry sticks to secure the onions inside the jar so they don't float.

7. Adding the liquid
Carefully pour the hot liquid over the onions, ensuring they are completely covered. Remove the cinnamon stick before pouring the liquid.

8. Sealing the jars
Seal the jars tightly with the sterilized lids and let them cool at room temperature. Then, store them in a pantry.

Practical tips
- Choosing the onions: Opt for small onions as they will preserve better and have a more pleasant texture after pickling. Red onions can add a splash of color and sweetness.
- Adjusting sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
- Flavor variations: Experiment with other spices, like chili peppers or herbs, to add a personalized touch to the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can pickled onions be kept?
Pickled onions can be stored for 6-12 months in a cool, dark place.

2. How are pickled onions served?
They can be served as an appetizer alongside cheeses or cold cuts, or as a garnish for meat dishes.

3. Can I use pickled onions in salads?
Yes! Pickled onions add a crunchy and tangy note to salads, making them more interesting.

4. Is this recipe healthy?
Onions are rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, and through pickling, they retain most of their benefits. Balsamic vinegar also has antioxidant properties.

Serving suggestions
For a unique culinary experience, serve pickled onions alongside a platter of fine cheeses, roasted nuts, and fresh bread. They also pair perfectly with a glass of white or red wine, enhancing the rich flavors of the dish. Try adding a few spoonfuls of pickled onions to a quinoa salad or alongside a grilled dish to enrich the taste.

This balsamic vinegar pickled onion recipe is not just a method of preserving vegetables but also an opportunity to create a delicacy that will enrich your meals. So, don’t hesitate and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!