Sweet 'N Sour Onions

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 7

Sweet 'N Sour Onions offer a tangy, sweet flavor combination with raisins and spices, perfect as a condiment for roast meats, deli meats, or poultry, adding a flavorful punch.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 jars small whole boiled onions (about 14 oz. each)
  • 1 cup raisins

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the onions.
  2. Mix water, vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, and cumin in a large skillet.
  3. Stir in the onions and raisins.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat and boil gently, uncovered, stirring 3 or 4 times, for 15 to 20 minutes or until the liquid is syrupy.
  6. Pack the onions and syrup into jars.
  7. Let cool, then cover and refrigerate.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of Sweet 'N Sour Onions, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat. If you can't find small whole boiled onions, you can use pearl onions or even fresh onions that you've boiled until tender. For a vegan twist, substitute honey with maple syrup in the syrup mixture to maintain sweetness without using animal products.

Serving Suggestions

These Sweet 'N Sour Onions make a delightful condiment for grilled meats, particularly Marinated Beef or as a topping for burgers. They also pair beautifully with Fried Bananas for a unique sweet and savory side dish. Serve alongside Creole Potato Wedges for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors will deepen as they sit. To reheat, simply warm the onions in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also enjoy them cold as a tangy topping for salads or sandwiches.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet 'N Sour Onions contains roughly 631 calories, with 12g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (145% of the Daily Value), potassium (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

631 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.8g 24% DV
Total Fat 8.1g 10% DV
Carbs 146.1g 53% DV
Fiber 11.1g 39% DV
Sugar 109.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 110.8mg 5% DV
Potassium 1939.3mg 41% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 35mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 9.8mg 11% DV
Calcium 427.9mg 33% DV
Iron 26.1mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh onions instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh onions! Boil them until tender before adding to the recipe. This may take about 10-15 minutes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly when simmering with the syrup to ensure they absorb the flavors well.

How long can I keep these onions in the fridge?

Sweet 'N Sour Onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors will develop further over time, making them even tastier. Just ensure they are kept in a tightly sealed jar to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze Sweet 'N Sour Onions?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the onions may change upon thawing. However, if you have excess, store them in the refrigerator as suggested, and enjoy them within two weeks to ensure the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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