Bitter-Sweet Onions: an easy recipe to make them at home

Bitter-sweet onions are a classic side dish in the Italian tradition, prepared with borrettane onions, which is a smaller and flatter variety of onions. They are pan-cooked with some water, wine vinegar and sugar, to help the caramelization process, and then served once they turn soft and golden brown.

Their sweet and sour taste makes them the perfect match to second courses like fish or meat, but also to aged cheese to create an appetizer with a kick. They taste excellent when served warm or at room temperature and if cooked in advance they will taste even better. Here is how we make them.

Tips

To make a denser and smoother sauce by cooking the onions in butter instead of oil.

The caramelization process can be made with white or brown sugar, and for a more delicate taste you can substitute wine vinegar with apple vinegar.

How to store Sweet and Sour Onions

You can store the bitter-sweet onions in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in a sealed container.

How to make Bitter-Sweet Onions

Step 1

Step 1

Oil the pan and add the onions.

Oil the pan and add the onions.

Step 2

Step 2

Season with salt and let them sizzle, stirring continuously.

Season with salt and let them sizzle, stirring continuously.

Step 3

Step 3

Add water and vinegar, then cover with a lid and cook for 30-40 minutes. Check every now and again to see whether the liquid ingredients haven’t evaporated, otherwise add some water.

Add water and vinegar, then cover with a lid and cook for 30-40 minutes. Check every now and again to see whether the liquid ingredients haven’t evaporated, otherwise add some water.

Step 4

Step 4

Once the onions are cooked add the sugar. Keep cooking to caramelize. Turn the onions so that they are coated in the sauce, which will become denser.

Once the onions are cooked add the sugar. Keep cooking to caramelize. Turn the onions so that they are coated in the sauce, which will become denser.

Step 5

Step 5

Once golden brown, your sweet and sour onions are ready to be served, coated in their caramelized sauce. Enjoy!

Once golden brown, your sweet and sour onions are ready to be served, coated in their caramelized sauce. Enjoy!