The Tangy Magic: Homemade Pickled Onions Recipe

Crisp and tangy pickled onions can add a zesty punch to countless dishes, turning ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Red or white onions work beautifully in this simple preservation method.

Salt, vinegar, and a few strategic spices create magic in your kitchen.

We love how quickly these pickled gems come together with minimal effort.

Crunchy and bright, these condiments complement sandwiches, salads, and grilled meats like nothing else.

Home cooks adore how versatile these pickled onions become once jarred and chilled.

Whip up a batch and watch how they instantly elevate your next meal.

Why Delia Smith Pickled Onions Are A Pantry Favorite

• Simplify Preservation: Master an age-old technique of transforming ordinary onions into tangy, crisp pickles with minimal kitchen skills.
• Perfect Party Companion: Create a versatile condiment that elevates sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards, and grilled meats with its zesty flavor profile.
• Batch Cooking Champion: Prepare a large quantity in one session that stores beautifully for months, providing a steady supply of homemade pickled goodness without frequent cooking.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet Touch: Craft a restaurant-quality garnish using affordable ingredients, turning simple onions into a sophisticated, flavor-packed condiment that impresses guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Delia Smith Pickled Onions

• Salt: Helps create the brine solution for preserving onions.
• Water: Essential liquid for creating the brining solution.

• Onions: Small white or pearl onions work best for pickling and provide a crisp, tangy result.

• Vinegar, Spices: Add depth and complexity to the pickled onion's taste profile.

Simple Steps To Make Delia Smith Pickled Onions

Step 1: Prepare Brine Solution

Grab a pot and mix salt with water over low heat. Stir until salt completely dissolves. Let the brine cool down to room temperature. The cool brine will help preserve the onions perfectly.

Step 2: Initial Onion Soak

Place whole unpeeled onions into the prepared brine. Use a weight to keep them fully submerged. Let the onions sit in the brine for a full 24 hours, allowing them to absorb the salty goodness.

Step 3: Peel and Refresh Soak

Drain the initial brine from the onions. Carefully peel off the outer layers of skin. Transfer the peeled onions into fresh cold brine. Continue soaking for 12 more days to enhance flavor and texture.

Step 4: Sterilize Containers

Clean glass jars thoroughly with hot water and soap. Rinse completely. Sterilize by boiling the jars for several minutes or running through a hot dishwasher cycle. This prevents any unwanted bacteria from spoiling your pickles.

Step 5: Pack Onions into Jars

Gently place the soaked onions into the sterilized jars. Pack them carefully but don’t crush them. Leave a small space at the top of each jar.

Step 6: Add Spiced Vinegar

Pour cold spiced vinegar over the onions, completely covering them. The vinegar will add a zesty kick to your pickled onions.

Step 7: Preserve and Store

Seal the jars tightly with clean lids. Label with the date and contents. Store in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cellar. Allow the onions to marinate for at least 2 weeks before enjoying their tangy flavor.

Pro Tips For Perfect Delia Smith Pickled Onions

• Brine Brilliance: Use filtered water for a clearer, purer pickling liquid that enhances the onions' natural flavor.
• Soak Smartly: Keep onions fully submerged during brining by using a plate or weight to prevent floating and ensure even preservation.
• Vinegar Victory: Choose white wine or apple cider vinegar for a more complex, tangy taste that complements the onions' sharpness.
• Spice It Up: Add whole peppercorns, bay leaves, or mustard seeds to the vinegar for extra depth and aromatic complexity.
• Patience Pays Off: Allow pickled onions to mature for at least 2-3 weeks for maximum flavor development and optimal texture.

Tasty Variations On Delia Smith Pickled Onions

• Spicy Pepper Pickled Onions: Add red chili flakes or sliced jalapeños to the vinegar for a fiery kick.
• Herb-Infused Pickled Onions: Mix fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill into the brine for aromatic flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Pickled Onions: Replace vinegar with rice wine vinegar and add ginger, star anise, and garlic for an eastern touch.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-salt brine or substitute with a salt alternative like potassium chloride for health-conscious individuals.

What To Serve With Delia Smith Pickled Onions

• Elevate Pickled Onion Flavor Pairings
• Pair with Bold Charcuterie: Complement the tangy pickled onions with rich salami, prosciutto, and creamy blue cheese for a stunning appetizer board.
• Match with Hearty Grilled Meats: Slice pickled onions over grilled steak, roasted lamb, or barbecue pulled pork to add bright acidity and zesty punch.
• Create Sandwich Revolution: Layer these pickled onions on gourmet burgers, roast beef sandwiches, or grilled cheese to transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
• Boost Cocktail Hour: Serve alongside crisp gin martinis or spicy bloody marys, using pickled onions as a savory garnish that adds complexity and tang to your drink.

Storing Delia Smith Pickled Onions The Right Way

• Store sealed jar in refrigerator for up to 3 months, ensuring lid is tightly closed to maintain flavor and crispness.
• Keep unopened pickled onions in a cool, dark pantry for 6-12 months before opening, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Gently warm pickled onions at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor, avoiding microwave to preserve texture.
• Move small portions to a separate container when ready to use, preventing repeated temperature changes that could compromise quality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delia Smith Pickled Onions

• Are pickled onions difficult to make at home?

No, pickled onions are surprisingly simple to prepare. With basic ingredients and a few easy steps, anyone can make delicious homemade pickled onions.

• How long can pickled onions be stored?

Properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, pickled onions can last up to 6 months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

• What type of onions work best for pickling?

Small white or pearl onions are ideal for pickling. They absorb flavor well and have a tender texture that makes them perfect for this preservation method.

• Do I need special equipment to pickle onions?

You only need basic kitchen tools like a pot, jars, and a few simple ingredients. Sterilized glass jars and vinegar are the most important items for successful pickling.

Pickled Onions Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 14 days, 24 hours, and 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty purple pickled onions elevate any dish with tangy Mexican-inspired flavor. Crisp, quick-marinated slices bring vibrant color and sharp bite to tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms) pickling onions or shallots
• 212 pints (1.4 liters) water
• 1 pound (450 grams) salt

Pickling Liquid:

• 1 pint (570 milliliters) spiced vinegar

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Instructions

1. Create a saltwater solution by gently heating water and salt until completely dissolved, then allow to cool to room temperature.
2. Submerge whole onions in the brine, ensuring they remain fully covered by placing a weight on top, and let them marinate for an entire day.
3. Remove onions from initial brine, carefully peel away outer layers, and transfer to a fresh saltwater bath for a comprehensive 12-day curing process.
4. Thoroughly sanitize glass preservation containers using boiling water or sterilization method to eliminate potential bacteria.
5. Carefully arrange peeled onions into sterilized jars, ensuring compact but not overly compressed placement.
6. Prepare a spiced vinegar mixture with aromatic herbs and spices, then pour the cold liquid over the onions, completely covering them.
7. Securely seal jars with tight-fitting lids, attach identifying labels with preparation date, and store in a consistently cool, dark environment away from direct sunlight.
8. Allow pickled onions to mature and develop complex flavors for a minimum of 14 days before consuming for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Opt for smaller onions like pearl or baby varieties for quicker pickling and more uniform texture.
• Use white vinegar with spices like peppercorns, bay leaves, and mustard seeds to enhance flavor complexity.
• Ensure complete salt dissolution and cool brine temperature to prevent onion softening and maintain crisp texture.
• Store pickled onions in sterilized glass jars for up to 6 months in a cool, dark pantry, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 0 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 112500 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4.5 g
• Fiber: 1.8 g
• Protein: 2.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg