Traditional South African Sweet and Sour Onion Salad
This delightful onion salad, known in Afrikaans as 'Slaphakskeentjies', hails from the rich culinary traditions of South Africa. It features small pickling onions that, when boiled and dressed, create a balance of sweet and tangy flavors that brighten any dish. Originally crafted without strict recipes, each cook added their unique touches, making it a versatile side that can accompany various meats or winter meals. Enjoy this salad at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld, and serve it as a refreshing condiment that brings comfort and a taste of nostalgia to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Small pickling onions
4-5 cups (Peeled and kept whole)
Large eggs
2 (Beaten until foamy)
Sugar
1/2 cup (To sweeten the dressing)
Mustard powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (Combined with the sugar)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To enhance flavor)
White pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Wine or grape vinegar
To taste (Added to the dressing)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling the peeled small pickling onions in a pot of salted water until they are just tender but not falling apart. This process may take about 10-15 minutes. Once done, drain the onions and set them aside in a bowl.
2
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs vigorously until they become foamy. This will help create a light dressing.
3
In another bowl, combine the sugar and mustard powder. Gradually add this mixture to the beaten eggs, continuing to beat until everything is fully incorporated.
4
Stir in the salt and white pepper, mixing them into the egg mixture.
5
Begin adding the vinegar slowly to the egg-sugar mixture, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect sweet-sour balance that suits your palate.
6
To heat the dressing, transfer the mixture into a small, heavy-bottomed pot on low heat. Stir continuously with a whisk to prevent the eggs from scrambling. The mixture may become foamy, which is normal.
7
Monitor the heat closely and aim for a gentle simmer. Keep stirring until the dressing thickens, reaching a consistency similar to that of mayonnaise. Be careful not to let it overcook, as this will cause the eggs to separate.
8
Once the desired consistency is reached, remove the pot from the heat while continuing to stir until it cools slightly.
9
Pour the hot dressing over the boiled onions and mix gently to coat. Allow the salad to cool to room temperature before serving. It can be enjoyed immediately or left out for a few hours for better flavor melding.
10
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator where the salad will keep well for several days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional South African Sweet and Sour Onion Salad called in Afrikaans?
This traditional salad is known in Afrikaans as 'Slaphakskeentjies'.
What are the primary flavors of this onion salad?
The salad features a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors created by a vinegar and sugar-based egg dressing.
What kind of onions are best for Slaphakskeentjies?
Small pickling onions are the ideal choice for this recipe, and they should be peeled and kept whole.
How long should the pickling onions be boiled?
The onions should be boiled in salted water for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until they are just tender.
What is the secret to a light dressing for this salad?
Beating the eggs vigorously until they become foamy before adding other ingredients helps create a light and airy dressing.
How is the mustard powder used in the recipe?
The mustard powder is combined with sugar and then gradually beaten into the foamy eggs.
What type of vinegar should be used for the dressing?
Wine or grape vinegar is recommended to achieve the traditional flavor profile.
How do you ensure the dressing reaches the correct sweet-sour balance?
Add the vinegar slowly to the egg and sugar mixture, tasting as you go to suit your personal palate.
What is the correct way to heat the dressing?
Transfer the mixture to a small, heavy-bottomed pot and heat it on low, stirring continuously with a whisk.
Why must you stir the dressing continuously while heating?
Stirring continuously prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Is it normal for the dressing to become foamy during cooking?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for the dressing mixture to become foamy while it is being heated on the stove.
What consistency should the cooked dressing have?
The dressing should be cooked until it thickens to a consistency similar to that of mayonnaise.
What happens if you overcook the dressing?
Overcooking the dressing will cause the eggs to separate, ruining the smooth texture.
Should the dressing be cooled before adding it to the onions?
No, you should pour the hot dressing over the boiled onions and mix gently to coat them.
How should the salad be served?
It is best served at room temperature, which allows the flavors to meld properly.
Can I store leftovers of the Sweet and Sour Onion Salad?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator where they will keep well for several days.
What kind of meals does this salad accompany?
This versatile side dish accompanies various meats and is particularly popular with traditional winter meals.
Is this a traditional South African recipe?
Yes, it hails from the rich culinary traditions of South Africa and is considered a nostalgic vintage dish.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients: pickling onions, eggs, sugar, mustard powder, salt, white pepper, and vinegar.
What is the specific role of white pepper in this recipe?
White pepper is used for seasoning to provide a subtle heat without the dark flecks of black pepper.
How many cups of onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 to 5 cups of small pickling onions.
Can the salad be eaten immediately after mixing?
While it can be enjoyed immediately, leaving it for a few hours allows for better flavor melding.
Is there a specific pot recommended for cooking the dressing?
A small, heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to help distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
What is the texture of the onions in the final dish?
The onions should be tender but still whole and not falling apart.
What is the purpose of the sugar in the dressing?
The sugar is used to sweeten the dressing and balance the acidity of the vinegar.
How much mustard powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of mustard powder.
Does this recipe include any dairy?
No, this specific version of the recipe does not contain any dairy products like milk or cream.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include south african salad, onion salad, traditional recipe, pickling onions, and sweet and sour.
Is this salad considered a condiment?
Yes, it can be served as a refreshing condiment that brings a taste of nostalgia to the table.
How much salt is needed for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance the overall flavor.