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Sweet Onion Sauce

Sweet Onion Sauce

Sweet Onion Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment combining the natural sweetness of onions with tangy apple cider vinegar and subtle aromatics. Perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, mixing into salads, or using as a dip, this quick and easy sauce uses simple pantry ingredients to elevate everyday dishes with a smooth, balanced sweetness and bright tang.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla), finely diced or grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for blending
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley), finely chopped
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or splash of hot sauce (for spicy version)
  • Smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
  • Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (for creamy texture)
  • Maple syrup or agave nectar (vegan sweetener alternative)
  • Fresh lemon or orange juice (for citrus twist)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Finely dice or grate the sweet onions. The smaller the pieces, the smoother your sauce will be. A food processor can be used for faster preparation.
  2. Sauté the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until they turn translucent and soft, which brings out their natural sweetness without bitterness.
  3. Add Garlic and Sweeteners: Stir in the minced garlic and honey or brown sugar, continuing to cook for 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
  4. Incorporate Vinegar and Seasonings: Pour in the apple cider vinegar and stir well. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs to taste.
  5. Blend Until Smooth: Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pan. Process until completely smooth, then slowly drizzle in additional olive oil to emulsify the sauce and create a glossy finish.
  6. Adjust Consistency and Flavor: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of water or more vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Your sweet onion sauce is now ready to serve or store.

Notes

  • Use fresh sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best natural sweetness and mild flavor.
  • Sauté onions on low heat to avoid burning and to let their sugars develop.
  • Adjust the amount of honey or sugar gradually to achieve your preferred sweetness.
  • Choose high-quality apple cider vinegar, preferably with ‘the mother’ for enhanced flavor and probiotic benefits.
  • Blend thoroughly until silky smooth for the best texture.
  • This sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to one week in an airtight container.
  • Freezes well up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before use.
  • Warm gently when reheating; avoid boiling to maintain flavor and consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet onion sauce, onion condiment, versatile sauce, tangy onion sauce, honey onion sauce, vegan onion sauce