Sweet and Tangy Glazed Onions
These Sweet and Tangy Glazed Onions are a delightful addition to any festive table, particularly for Christmas dinner. The combination of button onions, port wine, red wine vinegar, and a hint of brown sugar creates a beautifully balanced dish that highlights the natural sweetness of the onions while adding a sophisticated tang. The raisins bring a fruity complexity, and the gentle warmth of cayenne pepper elevates the flavor profile. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also offers a stunning presentation, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast. Just remember to shake the pan occasionally to prevent the sugars from catching, ensuring a rich and luscious glaze.
N/A
Servings
53
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
button onions
24 (peeled, with root intact)
olive oil
45 ml (for sautéing)
port wine
75 ml (for deglazing)
red wine vinegar
75 ml (for tanginess)
soft brown sugar
2 tablespoons (for sweetness)
raisins
25 g (for added sweetness)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
cayenne pepper
to taste (for a hint of spice)
Instructions
1
In a heavy-based pan, heat the olive oil over low heat until warm. This gradual warming will help the onions cook evenly.
2
Carefully add the peeled button onions to the pan, making sure to keep the root end intact. Cook the onions for approximately 10 minutes, shaking the pan gently every few minutes to encourage even browning on all sides.
3
Once the onions are nicely browned, pour in the port wine and red wine vinegar. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a rapid boil, stirring occasionally.
4
As soon as the mixture reaches a boil, sprinkle in the soft brown sugar, followed by the raisins, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
5
Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the onions simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and the liquid has reduced down to a thick, sticky syrup.
6
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve the glazed onions warm, drizzled with the syrup from the pan for an elegant finish.
Nutrition Information
2.3g
Fat
10.3g
Carbs
0.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Tangy Glazed Onions?
They are a sophisticated side dish featuring button onions simmered in a rich glaze of port wine, red wine vinegar, and brown sugar.
What type of onions are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 24 peeled button onions.
Why should I keep the root end of the onions intact?
Keeping the root intact ensures the onions stay whole and do not fall apart during the browning and simmering process.
What is the primary cooking liquid used?
The glaze is made from a combination of 75 ml of port wine and 75 ml of red wine vinegar.
How many calories are in a serving of these onions?
Each serving contains approximately 53 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for a Christmas dinner?
Yes, its festive profile makes it an excellent centerpiece or side for holiday feasts.
What role do raisins play in this dish?
Raisins add a fruity complexity and extra sweetness to the savory onions.
Is there any spice in this recipe?
A pinch of cayenne pepper is added to provide a gentle warmth and elevate the overall flavor profile.
How long should I simmer the onions?
The onions should simmer covered for 15 to 20 minutes until they are tender.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The liquid should reduce down into a thick, sticky syrup that coats the onions.
What is the best way to prevent the sugar from catching?
You should shake the pan occasionally throughout the cooking process to ensure even glazing and prevent burning.
What type of oil is used for sauteing?
The recipe uses 45 ml of olive oil.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
Yes, the amount of soft brown sugar and raisins can be adjusted, though the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sugar.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this dish.
Is this dish considered a vegan recipe?
Based on the ingredients listed—onions, oil, wine, vinegar, sugar, and raisins—it is a vegan-friendly vegetable dish.
What does 'agrodolce' mean in the context of this recipe?
Agrodolce refers to the traditional Italian sweet and sour flavor profile created by the vinegar and sugar.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 2.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains about 10.3g of carbohydrates.
Is there much protein in glazed onions?
No, the protein content is low at approximately 0.3g per serving.
How should I prepare the pan before adding the onions?
Heat the olive oil over low heat in a heavy-based pan until it is warm.
How long does it take to brown the onions?
It takes approximately 10 minutes of gentle cooking and pan-shaking to achieve even browning.
Should the pan be covered during the final simmer?
Yes, the pan should be covered after adding the sugar and raisins to help the onions soften.
What temperature should the onions be served at?
The onions are best served warm, drizzled with the remaining syrup from the pan.
Can I use white vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Red wine vinegar is recommended for its specific tang and color, but white wine vinegar could be used as a substitute in a pinch.
Are button onions the same as pearl onions?
They are very similar; both are small, mild onions perfect for pickling or glazing.
Is salt added during the cooking process?
Yes, salt is added along with the sugar and raisins to season the dish.
Does this recipe require a high heat?
The heat is mostly low for browning and simmering, with a brief increase to medium to bring the wine mixture to a boil.
What kind of texture should the onions have?
The onions should be tender but still hold their shape, coated in a sticky glaze.
Is the syrup meant to be poured over the onions?
Yes, for an elegant finish, the onions should be drizzled with the reduced syrup before serving.
Can these be made in a regular skillet?
A heavy-based pan is preferred to ensure even heat distribution and prevent the sugars from burning.