Description
This easy onion jam recipe delivers a luscious, shimmering Mahogany Caramelized Spread with Ruby Currants that adds a gourmet touch to meals and is perfect for holiday gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 large yellow onions (about 1.5 kg sliced)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
- 0.25 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
- 0.25 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar
- 0.25 cup (40g) dried ruby currants
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 0.5 teaspoon dried)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes
- Optional: 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prep Onions: Thinly slice 4-5 large yellow onions (about 6-7 cups / 1.5 kg sliced), aiming for uniform slices for even cooking.
- Caramelize Onions Slowly: In a 10-inch heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add all the sliced onions, stir well to coat, and cook slowly for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply golden brown and beautifully softened. If they start to stick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the fond.
- Build Flavor: Stir in 0.25 cup packed brown sugar, 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar, 0.25 cup dried ruby currants, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 0.5 teaspoon dried), 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the onion jam is thick and glossy, mounding on a spoon.
- Cool and Store: Remove the finished onion jam from heat. Let it cool completely, then transfer to clean, airtight jars.
Notes
If onions start to stick during caramelization, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the fond. For a dairy-free onion jam, use all olive oil instead of butter. Dried cranberries or cherries can be substituted for ruby currants. Store your homemade onion jam in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15 g)
- Calories: 50 calories
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
Keywords: onion jam, caramelized spread, ruby currants, gourmet, condiment, stovetop, make-ahead, pantry staple, sweet savory