If you’re looking for a simple, quick onion marmalade recipe (a delicious condiment), look no further than this 5 ingredient version.
This onion marmalade recipe came about from a serious over-supply of onions.
I could have sworn I was out of them so bought a kilogram bag at the markets on Sunday.
Little did I know, I not only had onions but, I already had a full bag in the fridge along with a few loose ones.
I know onions last a while but even I didn’t need 2.5kg of onions sitting around nor did I have the fridge space to spare.
This onion marmalade recipe came about from a serious over-supply of onions.
I could have sworn I was out of them so bought a kilogram bag at the markets on Sunday.
Little did I know, I not only had onions but, I already had a full bag in the fridge along with a few loose ones.
I know onions last a while but even I didn't need 2.5kg of onions sitting around nor did I have the fridge space to spare.
My night time reading is quite often cookbooks and last weeks book of choice was the Country Women’s Association preserves book which just happened to have a recipe for onion marmalade that used 1kg of onions – perfect!
It's a delicious savoury jam that goes well on a cheese platter or my favourite was spread with a little goat cheese on a sourdough cracker.
How is it different from caramelised onion?
It seems they’re actually quite similar but my caramelised onion recipe is not as sweet as the onion marmalade.
Ingredients
It’s another recipe for the 4 ingredient ladies this one. All you need is:
- onions
- salt
- sugar
- vinegar
It’s seriously low-budget too with the total cost coming in at about $6 total.
I didn’t even need to buy anything else.
FAQs
You can use red onions, white onions or brown onions for this recipe.
Whichever you can get your hands on will be delicious.
The original recipe just called for ‘vinegar’ so I had to take a punt on what sort to use.
I used ⅛ balsamic vinegar and the rest white vinegar. You could also use apple cider vinegar.
This really is a flexible recipe in that you can use whichever onion, vinegar or sugar you have on hand.
We used soft brown sugar but have also made it with white sugar.
You can lessen the amount of sugar you use if you have sweet onions but you do need a decent amount for caramelisation.
Instructions
First you will need to prepare the onions to make this delicious onion marmalade.
Tips
Chopping one kilo of onions by hand can be a bit rough on your eyes.
I used the slicer attachment on my food processor because I don’t think I’d be able to see cutting up 1kg by hand.
My eyes were tearing up just peeling the onions.
The cooking process for this balsamic onion jam recipe is really simple. It does take a long time (a couple of hours) but there's barely any hands-on time.
You’ll need a rather large pot to make sweet onion jam in and the wider the better.
Start with just the sugar and red wine vinegar in the pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved then bring it all to a boil.
Add all the onions to the pan and again bring it to a boil.
Reduce to a simmer and let it simmer away on low heat for 2 to 2 ½ hours or until the onions are transparent and golden brown and the liquid is syrupy.
I left mine for 2.5 hours.
I gave it a stir with a wooden spoon about every half hour to make sure they don't stick to the bottom of the pan.
After that time, taste it and adjust the seasoning if you need to.
I added a little extra salt to mine.
You can also add black pepper for a little extra flavour.
Two days before I’d had a terribly failed attempt at a new multigrain bread recipe.
It was meant to be a tall, fluffy loaf.
As you can see from the slices, it was miserably flat.
All was not lost though.
I sliced it up very finely, lay the slices on a baking tray and sprayed them with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt then baked them until they crisped up.
Stored in an air-tight container, they’ll keep for ages.
Once the onions are ready, bottle them up.
Apparently they will keep for ages and ages at room temperature and only get better with time.
Uses
This caramelized onion marmalade recipe makes a great condiment with so many dishes but can also be used to add flavour.
I’ve already got recipes flying around in my head but pairing it simply with feta in a fritata or tart sounds like a great way to use it for starters.
Other ideas to serve:
- top a steak with it
- serve it with cheese and homemade water crackers
- stir it into a casserole
- serve it on top of baked potato
- it would make the perfect condiment with Saturday morning crispy bacon and eggs
- add it to a grilled cheese toastie for extra flavor
- use as a savoury jam on a charcuterie board with baguette slices and blue cheese
- gift a jar with some homemade water crackers
- use it in caramelized onion and blue cheese sausage rolls
Enjoy!
What about you?
Do you tend to over-buy things?
Recipe
Onion marmalade
Ingredients
- 1 kg sugar
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 ¾ cup white vinegar
- 3 tablespoon salt
- 1 kg onions sliced into rings
Instructions
- In a big saucepan, stir the sugar, vinegars and salt together and then bring to the boil.
- Add the onions to the pot and stir them through then bring it to a boil again.
- Reduce it to a simmer and leave it to cook away for 2 - 2 ½ hours or until the onion is transparent and the liquid is thick and syrupy.
- Transfer it into sterilised jars.
Carol says
HI Claire from Australia was looking for a onion jam recipe and come across 1 that said 75g mustard seeds which is 8 tablespoons ????? which seemed a lot then I came across your which I am going to try ,
thanks Carol
Claire says
I hope you enjoy it Carol!
Danie says
I tried your recipe just now. It is easy to make and very, very delicious!!
Thanks!!!
Claire says
You're welcome Danie!
Catherine Mullrr says
Hi Claire
Busy making the onion marmelade. I want to know if I cover the pot while its simmering for 2 hours or leave it open? A quick response would be fantastic, as the marmelade is on the stove already!!
Regards
Catherine from South Africa
Claire says
Hi Catherine. A bit late now but I usually leave the lid off. Hope it went well!
Kerrie says
Hi Claire,
I made your Onion Marmalade (Country Women's Association) and would like to get a little bit of advice off you.
I doubled the recipe and noticed that by the time the marmalade got thick enough, the marmalade was a lot darker than yours. Could you please tell me why this may have happened.
Cheers, 'Just Starting Out' Kerrie :)
Claire says
Hi Kerrie,
I'd just say it caramelised a little more or took a bit longer for the sugars to be released so browned up more? Would also depend on the onions. It will most likely be a slightly different colour every time.
Sue says
I was searching for a recipe for onion marmalade for a show competition in a couple of weeks time. The vast majority of them called for wine or port which I really didn't fancy. I loved the simplicity of this one. I made it yesterday and just had my first taste with cheese and homemade brioche. Absolutely gorgeous and hopefully a winning jar! Thank you so much for posting it.
Claire says
You're very welcome Sue! You'll have to let me know how you go! If you'd like, I'd love you to share a photo of your jam at the show on my Facebook page?
Juleen says
I rarely buy too much, but I do often buy a pile of whatever for the purpose of making something like this. I have a recipe for a red onion relish which is used all the time here, but this recipe sounds really lovely, will definitely make it.
Claire says
Red onion relish sounds delicious.
Vinnie @ Jarhead says
Thanks for the great onion marmalade recipe. I gave onion marmalade a try recently and hopefully it turned out as well as yours! It's a really delicious preserve.
Claire says
Isn't it delicious? So versatile too!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I was scouring the net for an onion marmalade and where did I end up? Yours! I was looking at the photos and didn't realise it was yours until I started reading. Nobody could read your writing without knowing it's you. :)
Claire says
Fancy seeing you here! Yay I'm glad I have a definite 'voice'!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Claire, I too am thinking of a zillion ways to use this yummy stuff!
Hotly Spiced says
You have the best jars. And you have the Edmonds cookbook and the CWA? I think we'll get along just fine when we meet! I love onion marmalade and yours is a gorgeous colour. I make it every Christmas as it's perfect on a baked leg of ham. It's nearly that time again! xx
Claire says
We will indeed Charlie! I hadn't thought to use it on the Christmas ham. Even more reason to make it again soon! x
Celeste says
My onion marmalade solidified when it cooled, what did I do wrong? Was after about 2.5 hours and there was still lots of liquid bubbling.
Jen @ Savory Simple says
I feel like I can taste this from here! I love a good onion jam. What a gorgeous color.
Claire says
Do you taste sweetness Jen? It's super sweet!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
I actually found a bag of eschallots that I bought a while back and I really need to use them soon! P.S. Have you had a redesign? It looks good although your blog roll seems to have disappeared? :)
Claire says
You're so observant! I've just been playing around with the side bar. Oops I must have disabled it!