Instructions for Pickling Onions

Pickled onions are a popular condiment that can add a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether you’re serving them alongside a sandwich or adding them to a salad or burger, pickled onions can elevate your culinary experience. Plus, making your own pickled onions at home is surprisingly easy and requires just a few simple ingredients. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of pickling onions.

First, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients. You will need around 1 pound (450 grams) of small onions, preferably pearl onions or shallots. These small onions work best for pickling due to their size and flavor. Additionally, you will need 1 cup (240 milliliters) of white vinegar, 1 cup (200 grams) of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of salt. You can also spice up your pickled onions by adding optional ingredients such as whole cloves, black peppercorns, or dried chili flakes.

The first step in pickling onions is to peel them. Start by trimming off the ends of each onion and make a small cut at the top of the onion to facilitate the peeling process. Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil and carefully drop the onions in. Let them boil for about 2 minutes, then drain them and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This will help stop the cooking process and make the onions easier to handle.

Once the onions have cooled, their skins should be easy to remove. Gently squeeze each onion at the top, and the skin should effortlessly slide off. Repeat this process for all the onions until they are all peeled.

Next, it’s time to prepare the pickling liquid. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the white vinegar, sugar, salt, and any optional spices you desire. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar and salt have dissolved completely. Once dissolved, remove the liquid from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Now it’s time to pickle the onions. Transfer the peeled onions into a sterilized jar, ensuring there’s enough room to pour the pickling liquid over them. Carefully pour the slightly cooled pickling liquid into the jar until the onions are completely covered. Gently tap the jar a few times to remove any air bubbles, then seal the jar tightly.

Allow the pickled onions to sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop. After that, you can transfer the jar to the refrigerator. Pickled onions will continue to improve in flavor over time, but they are generally ready to consume after about one week.

Pickled onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months, if they even last that long! You can experiment with different flavors by adding other spices, herbs, or even a dash of balsamic vinegar. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative.

Now that you know the step-by-step process for pickling onions, you can enjoy these tangy and flavorful condiments anytime you want. Homemade pickled onions not only taste great, but they also make lovely gifts for family and friends. So, give pickling a try and elevate your meals with the delightful addition of pickled onions.