5-Minute Balsamic Onion Relish Recipe
Looking to add a quick burst of flavor to your meals? This balsamic onion relish takes just 5 minutes to prepare and pairs perfectly with burgers, cheese boards, sandwiches, and more. With a few simple ingredients - like sweet onions, olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar - you can create a rich, caramelized condiment that’s perfect for everyday meals or special occasions. Here’s how to make it:
- Ingredients: Sweet onions, extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Steps: Slice onions, sauté in olive oil, add sugar and vinegar, and cook until caramelized.
- Uses: Topping for burgers, grilled meats, pizzas, or as a spread for crackers and cheese.
The key to making this relish shine is using high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Big Horn Olive Oil’s products, like their 18-Year Aged Balsamic Vinegar, bring out the best flavors in this simple yet flavorful recipe. Whether for meal prep or gifting in jars, this relish is a quick way to elevate your dishes.
Vegan Balsamic Caramelised Red Onion Relish Recipe
Ingredients and Tools You'll Need
This relish comes together with a handful of ingredients and some basic kitchen tools. Using high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar can take it to the next level.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet onions (about 1.5 lbs total): Yellow or Vidalia onions are ideal for their natural sweetness and mild flavor. Slice them into thin half-moons for even cooking.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: A fruity olive oil, like Big Horn Olive Oil's Estate Reserve Ultra Premium EVOO ($8.99), creates the perfect base for caramelizing the onions.
- 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar: Choose a rich, aged option like Big Horn Olive Oil's 18-Year ($8.99) or Molto Denissimo 25-Year ($12.99) balsamic vinegar for a sweet-tangy depth.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances the onions' natural sweetness and helps achieve a glossy, caramelized texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Draws out moisture from the onions and boosts the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth to balance the sweetness.
- Optional add-ins: Minced garlic (2 cloves) for a touch of earthiness, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Tools
You’ll only need a few kitchen essentials to make this relish:
- A large skillet or sauté pan (10-12 inches): Provides enough space for the onions to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures precise proportions, which is key to nailing the balance of flavors.
- A sharp chef’s knife: Makes slicing onions evenly a breeze, ensuring they cook at the same rate.
- A cutting board: Offers a sturdy surface for prepping your ingredients.
With these simple tools and ingredients, you’re all set to whip up a flavorful relish in no time!
How to Make the Relish
To get the best flavor and texture, it’s important to prep your ingredients consistently and cook with medium-high heat.
Prep the Ingredients
Begin by slicing 2 large sweet onions into thin half-moons, about 1/4 inch thick. Keeping the slices uniform ensures they cook evenly - no burnt edges or undercooked bits. If you like, mince 2 cloves of garlic to add later for extra flavor (this step is optional).
Before you start cooking, measure out your balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Having everything ready to go will make the process smoother and help you focus on cooking.
Cook the Relish
Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, it’s ready. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of kosher salt. The salt helps draw out moisture from the onions, which is key for caramelizing them.
Cook the onions for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. They should soften and start to turn translucent. If you’re using garlic, toss it in during the last 30 seconds of this step - it cooks quickly and can burn if added too early.
Next, sprinkle in the brown sugar and stir well, making sure it coats the onions evenly. The sugar helps create that rich, caramelized look and flavor. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the onions to develop golden-brown edges.
Now, pour in the balsamic vinegar and add the black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. The vinegar will reduce slightly, coating the onions and adding a tangy-sweet depth to the relish.
You’ll know it’s ready when the onions are tender, golden-brown, and glossy. Most of the liquid should have evaporated, leaving the relish with a thick, jam-like texture.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your skillet is too small to hold all the onions in a single layer, cook them in batches. Overcrowding can cause the onions to steam instead of caramelize, which affects both flavor and texture.
- Taste and tweak. During the last minute of cooking, taste the relish. If it’s too sharp, add a pinch more brown sugar. For more complexity, stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Adjust the heat. Keep an eye on the temperature. If the onions are browning too quickly or the vinegar starts to burn, lower the heat to medium. You want a steady caramelization, not charring.
The final relish should have a rich, glossy finish with tender onions and a slightly thick consistency. Remember, it will firm up a bit as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a little loose in the skillet.
sbb-itb-4066b8e
Ways to Use Balsamic Onion Relish
Balsamic onion relish brings a sweet and tangy kick to a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. Whether you're whipping up a casual meal or planning a gathering, this quick, flavorful condiment can transform your dishes in no time.
Everyday Uses
Add a spoonful of balsamic onion relish to burgers or hot dogs for an extra layer of flavor. The caramelized sweetness of the onions pairs beautifully with beef patties - especially on avocado bacon burgers - giving a gourmet twist to everyday condiments. It’s also a fantastic topping for grilled steaks like top loin, top sirloin, or ranch steak, where the balsamic vinegar cuts through the richness of the meat.
Sandwiches and wraps get a flavor boost with this relish, especially when paired with turkey, roast beef, or grilled chicken. It adds moisture and depth, enhancing the overall taste. Even grilled vegetables shine brighter with a dollop of relish, as it amplifies their natural sweetness while adding a tangy contrast.
For pizza enthusiasts, try spreading some relish on your dough before layering on cheese and toppings. It’s particularly delicious on chicken pizzas, where the sweet-tangy flavor balances the savory protein. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a casual dinner, this relish can elevate your everyday meals effortlessly.
Special Occasion Ideas
When hosting, balsamic onion relish can take your appetizers and party platters to the next level. Use it to top bruschetta on toasted crusty bread or serve it alongside sourdough crackers, letting guests create their own bites.
Cheese and charcuterie boards become even more exciting with this relish. It acts as a flavorful bridge between sharp cheeses and cured meats, making it a standout addition to any spread. For a quick yet impressive appetizer, roll sourdough tortillas with cream cheese and relish, then slice them into pinwheels. Another idea? Toast baguette slices with goat cheese or brie and finish with a layer of relish for a sweet and tangy bite.
Looking for a thoughtful gift? Pack the relish in small mason jars, tie them with a ribbon, and include a card with serving suggestions. It’s a practical and personal present that hosts will love.
For larger gatherings, serve the relish as a dip by spooning it over cream cheese. Surround it with crackers, fresh veggies, and sliced baguette for an easy appetizer that delivers big on flavor. This simple yet sophisticated option is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why Big Horn Olive Oil Products Work Best
When it comes to making a quick yet flavorful balsamic onion relish, the quality of your ingredients makes all the difference. Big Horn Olive Oil's ultra-premium products are designed to bring out the best in every component, ensuring your relish is nothing short of extraordinary. Here's how their carefully crafted products take your recipe to the next level.
The Role of Ultra Premium EVOO
Big Horn Olive Oil's Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is a game-changer for this relish. Made from the finest olives and processed quickly to preserve its natural flavors, this EVOO enhances the sweetness of caramelized onions with its bright and authentic taste. Its high smoke point - at least 410°F - means you can sauté onions without worrying about the oil breaking down. Plus, its rich antioxidant biophenol content and low free fatty acids add a nutritional boost while intensifying the overall flavor profile.
The Importance of Aged Balsamic Vinegar
The Traditional 18-Year Aged Dark Balsamic Vinegar from Big Horn Olive Oil is another key ingredient that transforms your relish. Imported from Modena, Italy, and aged for nearly 20 years, this vinegar develops a thick, syrupy consistency and a naturally sweet flavor. It balances the sharpness of raw onions beautifully, and when added to a hot pan, it reduces quickly, creating a glossy glaze that coats the onions in a layer of rich sweetness. The vinegar’s pure, internationally acclaimed taste ensures a gourmet finish when paired with the ultra-premium EVOO.
Big Horn Olive Oil's products don’t just complement your recipe - they elevate it.
Conclusion
This 5-minute relish proves that gourmet flavor doesn’t have to take hours. In just minutes, you can whip up a versatile condiment that brings a restaurant-quality touch to your everyday meals. Whether it’s burgers, cheese boards, or roasted vegetables, this relish adds an effortless layer of flavor.
The key to making it shine? Using high-quality ingredients. Big Horn Olive Oil’s Ultra Premium EVOO enhances the natural sweetness of caramelized onions and holds up beautifully under high heat. Their Traditional 18-Year Aged Dark Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Italy, strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. These premium products take each batch to the next level.
With the right ingredients, this relish fits seamlessly into any occasion - be it a quick weeknight dinner or a special celebration. It’s all about combining speed with exceptional taste. Keep these staples in your pantry, and you’ll always be just five minutes away from a gourmet upgrade. Big Horn Olive Oil’s internationally acclaimed products make it easy to achieve consistent, delicious results every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of onion if I don’t have sweet onions on hand?
If you don’t have sweet onions on hand, no problem! You can swap them out with white, yellow, or red onions, or even shallots. Each option adds its own twist to the flavor of the relish, so pick whichever suits your taste or whatever you’ve got in your pantry.
How long does balsamic onion relish stay fresh, and what’s the best way to store it?
Balsamic onion relish can stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 5–6 days if stored in an airtight container. If you'd like to keep it for longer, consider canning it. By sealing the relish in jars and processing them in a boiling water bath, you can extend its shelf life to 12–18 months when stored in a cool, dry place.
Once opened, make sure to refrigerate the relish and enjoy it within a week for the best flavor and quality.
What are some creative ways to use balsamic onion relish beyond the recipe suggestions?
Balsamic onion relish is a flavor-packed addition that can elevate so many dishes. Stir it into yogurt or sour cream for a quick and tasty dip, or spread it on sandwiches, burgers, or wraps for an extra layer of tangy sweetness. It’s a perfect companion to a cheese platter, offering a sweet and tangy contrast, and works wonders as a glaze for roasted meats like chicken or pork. You can even mix it into pasta dishes or use it as a topping for salads to give them a flavorful boost. For something a little different, try it on snacks like crackers or crostini. Its blend of sweet and tangy flavors makes it a versatile addition to almost any meal!