Sweet and Sour Onions

Sweet and sour onions are a delicious side dish that pairs well with many dishes. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 500 g of pearl onions
• 100 ml of balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste (optional)
• A sprig of rosemary (optional)
• Some black peppercorns (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by peeling the onions. If you want to make this step easier, you can first blanch them for a few minutes in boiling water and then transfer them to cold water.
2. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan and add the onions. If you like, you can also add a sprig of rosemary for extra flavor.
3. Lightly sauté the onions until they become golden.
4. At this point, add the balsamic vinegar and sugar, and mix well to dissolve the sugar.
5. Add a pinch of salt and, if you appreciate it, some black pepper (whole or grains, if you prefer a spicier note).
6. Cook over medium-low heat until the liquid has reduced and the onions have become glossy and caramelized, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, if necessary.

Once ready, you can serve the sweet and sour onions as a side dish. They are great both hot and at room temperature.

Curiosity

Sweet and sour onions are a traditional recipe found in many Italian regions, with small variations. They can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days and are even tastier when the flavors have had time to meld together well. Furthermore, this preparation is very versatile: you can add aromatic herbs to your liking such as thyme, bay leaf, or marjoram to further personalize the dish.