Caramelized Onion Jam

Sweet and concentrated with onion flavour, this Caramelized Onion Jam will be the condiment you use on everything from burgers to pasta. 

What is caramelized onion jam?

It’s basically onions that have been cooked over low heat for a long period of time. 

This slow-cooking process creates a sweet and meltingly delicious, mellow yet concentrated onion flavour.

What makes the onions turn brown?

This is through the Maillard reaction, which is a chemical reaction between amino acids and the reduction of sugar.

The second reaction that occurs is the caramelization process, which is where water gets removed via steam, and the sugar(s) break down.

Ingredients you’ll need

You’ll need:

• avocado oil: or any good quality vegetable oil; olive oil would be great too
• extra large onions: you can use white or yellow onions, sliced (I use a food processor to make it easier, but if you’ve got good knife skills, you can slice them thinly with a sharp knife)
• thyme: fresh is best, but you can use dried in a pinch (if using dried thyme, use a little less)
• brown sugar: you can add a touch of brown sugar just to help the onion jam out; otherwise you can omit
• sea salt: a pinch of sea salt really helps the sweetness come out
• balsamic vinegar: balances the sweetness with a little tang

The key to caramelizing

Is time. And patience.

It takes about 1 hour, 20 minutes to make this onion jam. 

Yes, it’s a long time, but you don’t want to rush the process.

Rushing the process can mean burnt, bitter onion jam, which is no good.

You’ll want to be near the stove for this onion jam.

Don’t set it and forget it, or you’ll end up with burnt onions. 

What can you use it on?

It’s such a delicious and versatile condiment.

Use it on a variety of items such as:

• sandwiches: Breakfast Turkey & Egg Croissants
• burgers
• buns: Chimichurri & Panko Parker House Rolls
• wraps: Five-Spice Turkey Green Onion Pancake Rolls
• perogies
• pasta
• pizza: Peking Duck Pizza
• quesadillas

How to store

Store the onion jam in a clean, sterile glass jar for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Can you freeze it?

No, I don’t recommend freezing the onion jam.

Other recipes you may like

Be sure to check out my other recipes:

Do Chua (Vietnamese Pickled Daikon & Carrot)

How to Make Flavourful Chili Oil

Turkey & Cheese Puff Pastry Roll Ups

Let me know if you try out this recipe — tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!

Print Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Caramelized Onion Jam

Sweet and concentrated with onion flavour, this Caramelized Onion Jam will be the condiment you use on everything from burgers to pasta. 

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time1 hr 20 mins

Total Time1 hr 35 mins

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American, French

Servings: 10

Calories: 32kcal

Author: Michelle | Sift & Simmer

For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp avocado oil or neutral vegetable oil
• 4 extra large onions (white or yellow) sliced
• 1 tsp thyme leaves fresh (or use slightly less if using dried)
• 1 tsp brown sugar optional
• ⅛ tsp sea salt
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar glaze

Instructions

• Use a food processor with the slicing attachment to slice the onions.
• Heat a Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot over medium heat.
• Add in oil. Add in the onions and gently sauté over medium heat, until the onions reduce, stirring occasionally.
• It will take about 1 hour 20 minutes, or close to 90 minutes. Don't rush.
• Add in thyme, rosemary, brown sugar, sea salt, and balsamic near the end of the cooking process, when the onions have reduced significantly and are brown in colour.
• Store in a sterilized glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Makes about 1 pint.

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

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