Balsamic Onion Jam – a Tasty Revelation
In the world of condiments, savoury jams might be the unsung heroes, often overshadowed by their sweet, fruity counterparts. Yet, this onion jam is easy to make and brings to the table a concentrated burst of flavor, transforming any dish and opening up a whole new world of culinary possibilities.
The caramelization comes from the natural sugars mixed with a touch of added sugar to create a rich, deeply flavourful base. We also add water to ensure the onions are cooked and by slowing down caramelisation, we intensify the sweetness and complexity of the jam. We can also mention that there is no pectin or difficult jam-making technique involved. Balsamic adds an even darker colour and extra aroma.
The result? A savoury-sweet masterpiece that embodies the essence of comfort food with a gourmet twist. This balsamic onion jam is a culinary gem, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to everyday meals. Whether slathered on a grilled cheese sandwich or paired with a succulent meat dish, this jam is sure to elevate any culinary creation to divine heights. And the best part? It’s made with simple, humble ingredients that you likely already have to hand. So go ahead, indulge in the decadent delight of homemade onion jam – your taste buds will thank you.
What onions are best for this recipe?
For this recipe, sweet onions are the preferred choice, infusing the jam with their delightful sweetness. We don’t specify the onions in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with red or yellow onions if you prefer. In fact, any variety of bulb onion will work.
Yellow onions, also known in some parts of the world as brown onions, make a reliable alternative with their mild flavour and subtle sweetness. They still caramelise nicely and offer a more pronounced onion flavour that complements savoury applications. Depending on the season you might need to adjust the amount of sugar added.
What is balsamic onion jam used for?
Onion jam is a versatile condiment that can be used in various ways to enhance the flavour of a wide range of dishes. Here are some common uses for onion jam:
- Cheese platters
Serve onion jam alongside a selection of cheeses on a charcuterie board. Its sweet and savoury profile complements the richness of cheeses, creating a well-balanced bite.
- Sandwiches and burgers
Onion jam is a flavourful spread or topping on sandwiches and burgers. It pairs well with grilled meats, poultry, or vegetarian options, adding depth of flavour and moisture. Try also our onion relish.
- Salads
Some salads can be lifted when incorporating onion jam. It pairs well with greens, roasted vegetables, nuts, and cheese.
Balsamic Onion Jam
EQUIPMENT (click pictures for details)
Ingredients
- 5 pcs onions sliced (600-650 gr)
- 50 gr unsalted butter
- 120 gr sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 500 ml water + extra at the end
- 45 ml balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Sweat the sliced onions in the butter over a low heat with the salt and the sugar and cook until tender for 10 – 15 minutes without coloration.
- Add the water up to the level of the onion and continue cooking until the liquid has completely evaporated.
- Pour the balsamic vinegar into the pan and cook again until caramelised. Deglaze the pan with a little water, stir well, and re-caramelize the onion. Repeat this operation twice.
- When the jam is cooked and ready it will be shiny and slightly sticky.
- Season to taste and transfer into sterilised jars, close the lid, and allow to cool.
Notes
- Balsamic vinegar will give a nice aroma and a dark colour to the jam, but you can substitute the balsamic with a fruit vinegar such as raspberry or apple vinegar.
- When using clear vinegar for the onion jam, you can also add some grenadine to obtain a rose to red colour.
