Sweet and Sour Cipollini Onions

Name: Sweet and Sour Cipollini Onions
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 500 grams cipollini onions (peeled); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

35 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

A delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavours makes these cipollini onions a perfect side dish or appetizer.

Prep

10 min

Cook

25 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Cipollini onions are a small, flat variety of onion that pack a punch of flavour. Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect candidate for a sweet and sour preparation. This version of sweet and sour cipollini onions balances the tangy vinegar with a hint of sugar, enhancing their unique taste. This dish is ideal for those who enjoy contrasting flavours and are looking for an easy yet sophisticated addition to their meal. It works well as a side dish for roasted meats or as an appetizer for a dinner party.

Instructions

Prepare the onions

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the cipollini onions and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly, then peel.

Pro tip: Blanching makes peeling easier.

Sauté the onions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the peeled onions and sauté for 5 minutes, until they begin to brown.

Add the vinegar and sugar

Stir in the balsamic vinegar and sugar, mixing well to coat the onions.

Pro tip: Ensure the sugar dissolves completely.

Simmer the onions

Add water, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro tip: The liquid should reduce to a syrupy consistency.

Check for doneness

The onions should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Pro tip: Taste and add more salt or sugar if needed.

Serve

Transfer the onions to a serving dish and drizzle with the reduced sauce. Serve warm.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Choose cipollini onions of the same size for even cooking.
Peeling cipollini onions is easier if you blanch them first.
Adjust the sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are sweet and sour cipollini onions?

Sweet and sour cipollini onions are a dish that combines the natural sweetness of cipollini onions with a tangy sauce made from vinegar and sugar.

How long do I cook cipollini onions?

Cipollini onions are typically cooked for about 20-25 minutes until tender and the sauce is reduced.

How many calories are in sweet and sour cipollini onions?

There are approximately 150 calories per serving of sweet and sour cipollini onions.

Can I make sweet and sour cipollini onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them up to 3 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

What do I serve with sweet and sour cipollini onions?

These onions pair well with grilled meats or as part of a charcuterie board.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sweet and sour cipollini onions warm, paired with grilled chicken or roasted pork for a balanced meal. They also complement a charcuterie board beautifully, adding a unique flavour dimension. These onions can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to maintain their delightful texture.

Nutrition per serving

150

Calories

Protein

Fat

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