Red Onion Compote

Red onion compote is a sweet and slightly acidic condiment that pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses, roast meats, and cold dishes. Here is the recipe to make a delicious Italian-style red onion compote.

Ingredients

• 500 g of red onions
• 200 g of granulated sugar
• 100 ml of red wine vinegar
• 1 pinch of salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Optional spices to taste (such as cloves, cinnamon, star anise)

Preparation

1. Peel the red onions and slice them thinly.
2. In a large pan, combine the sliced onions with the sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. If you decide to use spices, add them at this stage along with the bay leaf.
3. Turn the heat to medium and let the sugar dissolve completely.
4. Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the flame and let the onions cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until they become translucent and most of the liquid has reduced, achieving a consistency similar to jam.
5. During cooking, stir occasionally to prevent the compote from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
6. Once cooked, remove any whole spices and the bay leaf.
7. Let the red onion compote cool before using it.

The compote keeps well in the refrigerator, stored in airtight containers, for several weeks.

Fun Facts

Red onion compote finds its roots in Italian culinary tradition, especially in northern regions like Lombardy and Piedmont, where the compote is often used to accompany boiled meats and cheeses. In addition to the basic version, variations can include the addition of fruits, such as apples or pears, for an even more aromatic touch.