Description
This quick recipe creates sweet-tart pickled red onions infused with pomegranate molasses and star anise, perfect for adding vibrant color and balanced acidity to various dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 350 grams red onions, approx. 2-3 medium, thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar (120ml)
- 0.5 cup filtered water (120ml)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (30g)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (5g)
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses (30ml)
- 3–4 whole star anise pods
- Fresh mint, optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Peel and thinly slice the red onions (1/8 inch or 3mm thickness recommended). Place all sliced onions into a clean, heatproof glass jar or medium-sized bowl.
- Make the Infused Brine: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, fine sea salt, pomegranate molasses, and whole star anise pods. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar and salt dissolve completely (about 2-3 minutes). Remove immediately from heat.
- Combine and Steep: Carefully pour the hot brine over the sliced red onions in the heatproof jar. Gently push down the onions with a spoon to ensure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the onions and brine to cool completely at room temperature, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes. Once cooled, cover the jar tightly and transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow at least 30 minutes for pickling, or ideally several hours or overnight for maximum flavor development.
- Plate and Garnish (Optional): Serve the pickled onions with a slotted spoon or tongs. Garnish with finely chopped fresh mint leaves if desired to add a contrasting pop of fresh color and aroma.
Notes
Remove the whole star anise pods before long-term storage. Agave nectar or maple syrup can be used as substitutions for the granulated sugar in this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 37 calories
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: quick pickles, pickled onions, pomegranate molasses, star anise, sweet-tart, condiment, garnish, easy recipe, weeknight meal