Red onion jam is a delicious homemade jam that shows that onions can taste as sweet as fruit. Sliced red onions slow-cooked with red wine, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and fresh thyme make a delicious spread with a deep caramelized taste. The onions become sweet, shiny and jammy as they cook gently on the stove.
The ingredients in this recipe are basic items that you have in your kitchen, but the final product is still special enough for entertaining! The balance of sweetness and tanginess makes it perfect accompaniment to a charcuterie board, burgers, grilled meat, sandwiches, or even simple toasted bread. For those who love homemade sauces, this onion chutney is a quick and simple way to spice up regular meals.
Make a batch up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge for convenient snacks, party serving trays, or quick weeknight meals. The jam will last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container and is a great make-ahead recipe. This onion chutney adds a savoury flavour that elevates any meal.
Place a skillet over medium heat and pour olive oil. Heating the oil properly helps the onions cook evenly without sticking to the pan.
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Step 2: Cook The Onions Until Soft
Add the sliced onions to the skillet and stir well so they are evenly coated in oil. Cook the onions until they are slightly translucent. Slow cook the onions, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
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Step 3: Add The Flavouring Ingredients
Now, add the red wine, brown sugar, chopped thyme, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the onions get well coated with the liquid and seasonings. At this stage, the onion mixture will start to smell savoury, sweet and also slightly tangy.
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Step 4: Simmer Until Thick And Jammy
Bring to a gentle boil then lower to low heat. Simmer gently, stirring every 10-15 minutes to prevent the onions from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. The onions will get a jam-like consistency and darken as the liquid evaporates. The slow cooking produces a rich flavour.
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Step 5: Cool Before Serving
Taste onion jam and season with additional salt and pepper, as desired. Pour into a bowl and set aside to cool completely. As the jam cools some further thickening will take place. Serve right away or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
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Step 6: Serve Or Store
Serve right away or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.