What are Agrodolce Cipolline?
Agrodolce cipolline are small onions that have been pickled in a sweet and sour sauce. The sauce is made by combining vinegar, sugar, and spices, resulting in a deliciously tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile. These pickled onions are a popular condiment in Italian cuisine and can be used to enhance the taste of various dishes.
What You’ll Need
To preserve agrodolce cipolline, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Cipolline onions – enough to fill your preserving jars
- White wine vinegar
- Sugar
- Whole cloves
- Bay leaves
- Black peppercorns
- Sea salt
Preserving Techniques
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to preserve agrodolce cipolline:
- Start by peeling the cipolline onions. To make the process easier, blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes and then transfer to an ice bath.
- In a large saucepan, combine equal parts white wine vinegar and sugar. For example, if you’re using 1 cup vinegar, use 1 cup sugar.
- Add the cloves, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to the vinegar mixture. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat and add the peeled cipolline onions to the saucepan. Let them simmer in the vinegar mixture for about 20 minutes or until they become tender. Be sure not to overcook them; they should still retain some crunch.
- While the cipolline onions are simmering, prepare your preserving jars. Sterilize them by boiling them in hot water for a few minutes.
- Once the onions are ready, carefully remove them from the saucepan using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the sterilized jars.
- Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions, making sure to cover them completely. Leave a little headspace at the top of the jars.
- Seal the jars with their lids tightly and let them cool to room temperature.
- After the jars have cooled, store them in a cool, dark place for at least one week before enjoying the agrodolce cipolline. They can be kept for up to several months.
Enjoying Agrodolce Cipolline
Agrodolce cipolline can be used in various ways to elevate your dishes. They make an excellent addition to antipasto platters, cheese boards, and charcuterie spreads. The tangy and sweet flavor of these pickled onions also pairs well with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and even on top of pizza or sandwiches.
Next time you come across these delicious cipolline onions, don’t miss the chance to preserve them in a sweet and sour agrodolce sauce. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy this traditional Italian condiment throughout the year.