Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a simple yet incredibly flavorful condiment? Look no further than these incredibly easy pickled white onions! They're the perfect addition to tacos, burgers, sandwiches, salads – basically anything that needs a bright, tangy kick. This recipe is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can deliver delicious dishes with minimal effort. It's a quick dinner idea that's also a great way to add a healthy element to your meals. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 large white onions, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup white vinegar (distilled or white wine vinegar)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Onions: Begin by thinly slicing your white onions. The thinner the slices, the quicker they'll pickle and the more tender they'll become. A mandoline slicer can be a huge help here, but a sharp knife works just fine.
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Combine the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
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Pickle the Onions: Once the brine is boiling, remove it from the heat and carefully pour it over the sliced onions in a heat-safe bowl or jar. Make sure the onions are completely submerged in the brine.
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Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the onions to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for several hours or even overnight. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become!
Tips for the Best Pickled White Onions:
- Thinly sliced onions: The thinner the slices, the faster they'll pickle and the more tender they'll be.
- Use a good quality vinegar: The vinegar is the star of the show here, so opt for a good quality white vinegar for the best flavor.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you want milder pickled onions, omit them altogether.
- Storage: Once pickled, your onions will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Variations:
- Add herbs: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or oregano to the brine for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy: Increase the sugar to 1/2 cup for a sweeter pickle. Conversely, add more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Pickled Red Onions: Substitute red onions for white onions for a beautiful color contrast.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 20-25
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5g
- Protein: Less than 1g
- Fat: Less than 1g
These pickled white onions are a simple yet incredibly versatile addition to your repertoire of easy recipes. They’re a delicious and healthy way to add a burst of flavor to countless dishes, proving that even the simplest homemade cooking can lead to extraordinary results. Enjoy!