Are you looking for a quick and easy way to elevate your next tapas night or simply add a vibrant zing to your everyday meals? Look no further! These Cava pickled onions are incredibly simple to make, bursting with flavour, and guaranteed to impress. Forget those bland, store-bought pickles; this recipe delivers a sophisticated, bubbly twist on a classic appetizer, showcasing the bright, refreshing notes of Cava. It’s a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – delicious, healthy, and surprisingly quick to prepare! This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes and healthy meals, providing a fantastic quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup dry Cava (or other dry sparkling wine)
- ½ cup white wine vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Onions: Carefully slice the red onions thinly. Using a mandoline slicer is recommended for consistent thickness, ensuring even pickling. If you don't have a mandoline, be sure to slice them as thinly as possible to allow for faster pickling and better flavour absorption.
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Combine the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the Cava, white wine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved.
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Pickle the Onions: Once the brine is simmering, remove it from the heat and carefully pour it over the sliced red onions in a clean, sterilised jar. Ensure the onions are fully submerged in the brine; you may need to use a small spoon or spatula to gently push them down.
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Cool and Store: Seal the jar tightly and let it cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the onions to fully pickle and absorb the flavours of the Cava. The longer they pickle, the more intense the flavour becomes.
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Serve and Enjoy: These Cava pickled onions are delicious served alongside charcuterie boards, grilled meats, salads, or even as a topping for tacos or burgers. Their vibrant colour and tangy flavour will add a delightful contrast to many dishes.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pickled Onions:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavour of your pickled onions. Opt for a good quality Cava and fresh, vibrant red onions.
- Sterilize Your Jar: To prevent spoilage, sterilize your jar by washing it thoroughly in hot, soapy water and rinsing it well. You can further sterilize the jar by placing it in boiling water for a few minutes before adding the onions and brine.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. If you prefer a milder pickle, omit them entirely or use a smaller quantity.
Variations:
- Herby Cava Pickled Onions: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the brine for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
- Sweet and Spicy Cava Pickled Onions: Increase the sugar slightly and add a pinch of ground cinnamon for a sweeter, spicier version.
- Champagne Pickled Onions: Substitute champagne for the Cava for a slightly different flavour profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 20
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5g
- Protein: Approximately 0g
- Fat: Approximately 0g
This recipe is a simple yet elegant way to add a burst of flavour to any meal. The combination of the tangy onions, bubbly Cava, and subtle spices creates a truly unforgettable taste experience. It’s a testament to how even the simplest food recipes can yield incredibly delicious and satisfying results, making it a perfect addition to your collection of best recipes. Enjoy!