Classic British Pickled Onions
This timeless recipe for Classic British Pickled Onions has been a staple in my kitchen for years. There's nothing quite like having a jar of these tangy, crunchy pickled onions on hand to complement your meals. Perfect as a snack with cold meats, cheeses, and artisanal breads, they also make an excellent accompaniment to the beloved Ploughman's Lunch and Fish and Chips. You can often find large jars of these delights in British fish and chip shops and at the bar in traditional pubs. If started in October, these onions will be ready in time for Christmas and New Year celebrations, making them a delightful addition to your festive cold buffet or cheese boards. This easy recipe utilizes a straightforward pickling method, ensuring your onions will have a shelf life of approximately 6 to 9 months when stored in a cool, dark place. For those who prefer to make a larger batch that can last for several years, I have included brining instructions at the end of the recipe. Dive into the world of homemade pickles and enjoy this classic treat as much as my family and I do!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pickling onions
2 lbs (peeled)
Malt vinegar or pickling vinegar
1 1/2 pints (none)
Ready-mixed pickling spices
2 tablespoons (or a mix of green, white, and black peppercorns, coriander seeds)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the pickling onions thoroughly, removing any skins and blemishes. Once done, pack one third of the peeled onions tightly into a large Kilner jar or a suitably sized preserves jar. For a larger batch, feel free to use multiple smaller jars.
2
Sprinkle one third of your chosen pickling spices evenly over the first layer of onions, ensuring they are well-covered.
3
Repeat the layering process with the remaining onions and pickling spices, creating two more layers with the spices, ensuring even distribution throughout.
4
Once all the onions are packed into the jar, pour the malt vinegar or pickling vinegar over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. If the vinegar does not completely cover the onions, add a little extra vinegar until they are adequately covered.
5
Seal the jar tightly with its lid to prevent any air from entering. Store the jar in a dark, cool place for a minimum of 6 weeks to allow the flavors to develop before consuming.
6
If you choose to follow the brining method for a longer-lasting product, start this process 2 days prior: Place the peeled onions in a non-metallic bowl and mix 2 pints of water with 4 oz of salt. Pour this brine over the onions and cover them with a cloth, allowing them to sit for 2 days.
7
After brining, drain and dry the onions, then follow the packing and vinegar step as outlined above. This method can extend the shelf life of your pickled onions to over 2 years in optimal storage conditions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic British Pickled Onions?
They are a timeless, tangy, and crunchy staple of British cuisine, often served as a snack or accompaniment.
What foods do these pickled onions accompany?
They are perfect with cold meats, cheeses, artisanal breads, Ploughman's Lunches, and Fish and Chips.
When should I start making them for Christmas?
You should start the process in October to ensure they are ready for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
How long is the standard shelf life of these onions?
When stored in a cool, dark place, they have a shelf life of approximately 6 to 9 months.
Can I make the pickled onions last longer than 9 months?
Yes, by using the brining method included in the instructions, they can last for over 2 years.
How long must the onions sit before they are ready to eat?
They need to be stored for a minimum of 6 weeks to allow the flavors to develop.
What is the best storage environment for pickled onions?
The jars should be kept in a dark, cool place.
What type of onions are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of pickling onions.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
You can use either malt vinegar or pickling vinegar.
How much vinegar is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 pints of vinegar.
What spices are used in this recipe?
You can use 2 tablespoons of ready-mixed pickling spices or a mix of peppercorns and coriander seeds.
How should I prepare the onions before pickling?
The onions must be peeled thoroughly, removing all skins and blemishes.
How do I layer the onions and spices in the jar?
Pack one third of the onions, sprinkle one third of the spices, and repeat this process until the jar is full.
What should I do if the vinegar does not fully cover the onions?
Add a little extra vinegar until the onions are completely submerged.
What kind of jar is best for pickling?
A large Kilner jar or a suitably sized preserves jar is recommended.
Is it okay to use multiple smaller jars?
Yes, if you are making a larger batch, you can distribute the onions across multiple smaller jars.
Where are these onions traditionally found in Britain?
They are commonly seen in large jars in British fish and chip shops and at the bar in traditional pubs.
How long does the brining process take?
The brining process takes 2 days.
How do I make the brine?
Mix 2 pints of water with 4 oz of salt.
What kind of bowl should be used for brining?
A non-metallic bowl should be used for the brining process.
Do I need to dry the onions after brining?
Yes, you should drain and dry the onions after the 2-day brine before packing them into jars.
What specific peppercorns can be used?
A mix of green, white, and black peppercorns is recommended.
Why is it important to seal the jar tightly?
Sealing the jar tightly prevents air from entering, which helps preserve the onions.
Are these onions suitable for a festive buffet?
Yes, they are a delightful addition to festive cold buffets or cheese boards.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 3 main ingredients: pickling onions, vinegar, and pickling spices.
Is the pickling method difficult?
No, this recipe uses a straightforward and easy pickling method.
What is the purpose of the 6-week waiting period?
The waiting period allows the flavors of the vinegar and spices to fully develop.
Can I use coriander seeds if I don't have mixed spices?
Yes, coriander seeds are a great alternative or addition to the spice mix.
How many layers of spices should be in the jar?
The instructions recommend creating three distinct layers of spices throughout the jar.
What should I cover the brining bowl with?
Cover the non-metallic bowl with a cloth while the onions are brining.