Did you plant onions in your garden this year? Confession - I didn't. Too much travel across Canada this summer to really have a good garden. However, when we got several bags of balsamic onions on sale at a local farmer's market, I knew I had to try out this balsamic onion relish recipe for canning.
And I just know you'll love it as much as I do.
This onion relish recipe is a flavorful way to preserve your garden's bounty. It's also a great way to get kids to try eating onions.
This particular balsamic onion relish recipe can be refrigerated, frozen, or even canned. It's a great way to turn ordinary onions into a gourmet-style condiment perfect for adding to various dishes.
The Best Onion Relish Recipe for Canning
This sweet balsamic onion relish makes a tasty topping for bruschetta, sourdough crackers, and hot dogs. It's also amazing on your favorite Dutch oven steak recipes.
For a savory addition, add a tablespoon of onion relish to hamburgers and soups. Slow-cooking Vidalia onions in balsamic vinegar brings out their natural sweetness, creating a perfect blend with the tangy vinegar.
This recipe is the perfect solution for using an abundance of onions from your garden or local farmers' market, turning them into a versatile pantry staple.
What You'll Need
Before you get started, you need your supplies. Here's what to have on hand to make this relish.
- Onions: 4 large sweet onions, such as Vidalia or red onions, provide a mild, sweet base.
Vinegar: ½ cups balsamic vinegar, with the option to mix in some white vinegar for a balanced tanginess. - Sweeteners: ½ cup brown sugar to enhance the onions' natural sweetness.
- Seasonings: 1 tablespoon minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or mustard seeds for a hint of spice.
- Tools: Large pot, ladle or large spoon, food processor (optional for chopping), canning jars, and a water bath canner.
Directions
Honestly, this is a pretty simple recipe and a great one to try if you're teaching kids to cook and preserve. Follow these steps.
- Prepare the Onions: Peel and chop the onions using a food processor for consistency. Sweet onions like Vidalia are preferred for their mild flavor.
- Cook the Onions: In a large stockpot, sauté onions in a little oil over medium heat until soft and golden.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute before adding brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture cook down for about 45 minutes or until thick and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
- Canning Process: First, transfer the hot relish into sterilized canning jars. Next, use a damp cloth to wipe jar rims, then secure the lids. Then process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes to seal the jars for pantry storage.
Tips:
- Always use hot jars and lids to ensure a safe seal.
- Remove air bubbles before sealing.
- Adjust processing time based on your altitude.
The Best Balsamic Onion Relish Recipe
Make this balsamic onion relish recipe to preserve onions and enjoy with your meals year-round. It uses simple ingredients and a straightforward canning process. So you and your family can enjoy this savory condiment any time and in any season, adding a fancy gourmet touch to your everyday homestyle meals.
You could even spoon the onion relish into a four-ounce mason jar, tie it up with a pretty ribbon and give it as a hostess gift. Whether you're new to canning or looking to add new recipes to your repertoire, this onion relish will become a family favorite.
Homemade Onion Relish FAQs
How long can I store homemade Balsamic Onion Relish?
Balsamic onion relish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or stored in the pantry for up to a year if properly canned and sealed. Check that all jars are processed in a boiling water bath and stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place.
If you haven't done much canning, get my 50 best canning tips for beginners here. Or grab a copy of the canner's bible - The Ball Big Book of Canning and Preserving.
Can I use different types of onions for this relish?
Yes, you can use a variety of onions, such as red onions, yellow bell peppers, or a mix of Vidalia and red onions. Each type has a slightly different flavor profile, giving you a nice balance of sweetness and tanginess in your relish.
What are some serving suggestions for onion relish?
This onion relish is simple but pretty versatile. Spoon it over cream cheese as a dip. Or spread a sourdough tortilla with cream cheese, add onion relish, roll it up and slice it for a pretty appetizer.
Serve it as a topping for hot dogs or hamburgers, or mix it into salads for extra flavor. It's also perfect as a gourmet sandwich addition or a rustic touch to cheese platters or charcuterie boards.
Recipe
Balsamic Onion Relish Recipe for Canning
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet yellow onions
- 1/ 2 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sice or chop onions, whatever size you prefer, I like to rough chop mine to give it more of a relish consistency.
- Cook onions over medium heat with a little bit of oil until soft and golden brown. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Stir in sugar and balsamic vinegar.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring frequently, until the balsamic mixture is cooked down and thickened.
- Strain onions, remove most of the balsamic mixture, and transfer to a glass jar with a lid.
Notes
Nutrition
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