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Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Tracy
Discover the perfect balance of sweet and savory with our delicious onion jam recipe. Made with caramelized onions, red wine vinegar, and sugar, this versatile condiment is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to sandwiches, burgers, cheese boards, and more. Elevate your cooking with this easy-to-make onion jam that will impress your guests and become a staple in your kitchen. While this post is sponsored by Shuman Farms, my love for Vidalia Onions are my own!
My husband and I went to Blackberry Farm last month. Known for it’s culinary arts, we were excited to experience all the things. And we did. Thankfully we also did a lot of hiking π I tell you this because at all three 5 star meals we were served each day there was onion jam. It was served on sandwiches, alongside our breakfast, with toast and on charcuterie boards. I’ll be honest, I thought it was a little interesting at first to have onion jam at every meal, but one taste squashed all my apprehensions. They serve it at every meal because it’s AMAZING. Plus, onions are in-season and they believe deeply in using in-season produce. And so do I.
So when Shuman Farms reached out to me to create something AMAZING with Vidalia Onions to celebrate the start of the season, I decided to make onion jam. I also consider making a galette, but my friend Heather made this amazing Vidalia Onion and Sausage Galette that I will be trying soon, so I didn’t need to come up with my own recipe. Hers looks DELISH!
I also considered various salads, but then I feel in love with this Tomato Peach Vidalia Onion Burrata Salad over at Healthy Family Project, and I decided not much was going to top that one, so I get to chat about my incredible trip to Blackberry Farms and share a fantastically easy onion jam recipe that you definitely have to try.
Before we get to the jam, want to hear a little more about the why the food at Blackberry Farm is so amazing? Of course you do!
Blackberry Farm, located in Walland, Tennessee, is known for its exceptional food and service. Here are just a few things to mention about the food at Blackberry Farms. I figured I would say more than just W-O-W π
- Farm-to-Table Philosophy: Blackberry Farm is deeply committed to the farm-to-table. They prioritize using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown on the farm itself or sourced from nearby farms and artisans.
- Culinary Expertise: The culinary team at Blackberry Farm is led by talented chefs who are experts in their craft. They draw inspiration from traditional Southern cooking techniques while incorporating modern and innovative touches.
- Emphasis on Heritage and Tradition: Blackberry Farm celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the South, paying homage to traditional recipes and cooking methods passed down through generations.
- Seasonal Menus: The menus at Blackberry Farm change with the seasons, reflecting the bounty of each time of year. By showcasing seasonal ingredients at their peak freshness, the chefs are able to create dishes that are not only delicious but also vibrant and full of flavor. In fact, the menus change every two days. Since your food is included with the cost of your stay, they want to make sure you always have something new and fresh to enjoy.
- Attention to Detail: From the presentation of each dish to the attentive service provided by the staff, every aspect of the dining experience at Blackberry Farm is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail. The chefs take care to ensure that every ingredient is of the highest quality, every flavor combination is balanced, and every plate is beautifully composed. I have never really experienced so many different layers of flavors in a single bite of food before!
The combination of a farm-to-table philosophy, culinary expertise, respect for tradition, seasonal menus, and attention to detail has earned Blackberry Farm a well-deserved reputation as a premier culinary destination in Tennessee and beyond. If you have the chance to go, I highly recommend it. When you aren’t eating, it’s the perfect place to relax, hike, and read. It’s really perfect.
I love cooking with in-season produce, now, I’m not nearly as fancy with my creations as the Blackberry Farm, but I do believe that the fresher the ingredients, the better the food. Which is why this onion jam is a must try! Vidalia onions are in-season, it’s easy to make and it’s good on just about everything! Again, if a 5-star resort served it with just about every course, it’s that good.
Onion jam is made by caramelizing onions with sugar, vinegar, and simple spices, making it the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Why We Love Onion Jam
Versatility:
Onion jam is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with meats, adding depth of flavor to dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and roasted meats. It can also elevate cheese platters, charcuterie boards, and appetizers, complementing the flavors of various cheeses and cured meats. Additionally, onion jam can be used as a topping for pizzas, flatbreads, and bruschetta, adding a sweet and savory element to these dishes.
Flavor Profile:
The flavor profile of onion jam is multidimensional. The natural sweetness of the caramelized onions is balanced by the acidity of the vinegar, resulting in a well-rounded condiment.
Culinary Inspiration:
When incorporating onion jam into your dishes, don’t be afraid to get creative! Use it as a glaze for grilled meats, a topping for savory tarts, or a filling for savory pastries. Mix it into salad dressings, dips, or marinades for added depth of flavor. Experiment with different spices and flavorings to create unique variations of onion jam, such as adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or incorporating spices like cumin or smoked paprika. I think when I make it next, I may toss in some red pepper flakes…I’m curious what a little bit of heat will do to the flavor profile! And you all know how I love spicy!
Whether you buy it from the store or make it at home, onion jam is a versatile and delicious condiment that adds a gourmet touch to a wide range of dishes.
Here are 10 delicious ways to serve onion jam:
- On Burgers: Spread onion jam generously on top of beef, turkey, chicken, or veggie burgers to add a sweet and savory flavor boost. It pairs particularly well with sharp cheddar or blue cheese.
- On Sandwiches: Upgrade your sandwiches by spreading a layer of onion jam on bread or toast before adding your favorite fillings. It adds a rich, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with deli meats, cheeses, and fresh greens.
- With Charcuterie: Include onion jam as a savory component on your charcuterie board or cheese platter.
- On Crostini: Spread toasted baguette slices with brie, goat cheese or cream cheese, then top with a dollop of onion jam for an elegant appetizer or party snack. Like it did!
- In Grilled Cheese: Take your grilled cheese sandwiches to the next level by adding a spoonful of onion jam along with the cheese. The sweet and savory flavors will complement the gooey melted cheese perfectly.
- With Roasted Meats: Serve onion jam as a condiment alongside roasted meats such as pork tenderloin, roasted chicken, or grilled steak. Its rich flavor adds depth to the dish and enhances the natural sweetness of the meat.
- On Pizza: Use onion jam as a unique pizza topping to add sweetness and depth of flavor. Spread it over pizza dough before adding cheese and other toppings for a gourmet twist on traditional pizza.
- In Appetizers: Incorporate onion jam into appetizers such as puff pastry pinwheels, or phyllo dough tarts.
- As a Glaze: Use onion jam as a glaze for grilled or roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. Brush the vegetables with warmed onion jam before cooking for a delicious caramelized finish.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill cleaned mushroom caps with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and onion jam. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley for a savory appetizer that’s sure to impress.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different ways to enjoy onion jam in your cooking!
While onion jam is readily available in many grocery stores and specialty food shops, it’s easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients. Homemade onion jam allows for customization, as you can adjust the sweetness, acidity, and spice level to suit your personal taste preferences. Plus, making onion jam at home gives you control over the quality of ingredients used, allowing you to create a fresh, preservative-free condiment.
Homemade onion jam can be stored in sterilized jars and refrigerated for several weeks. Store-bought onion jam typically comes in sealed jars and can be stored at room temperature until opened, after which it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.
Now, lets make some Caramelized Onion Jam, shall we? I served mine over a simple toasted bakery bread and brie…and added fresh herbs from my garden and paired it with Flat Top Hills Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc has a refreshing acidity that can cut through the richness of both the caramelized onion jam and the creamy brie cheese. This acidity helps cleanse the palate between bites, so you can keep enjoying bite after bite.
Caramelized Onion Jam
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup white sugar
- 4 cups onion coarsely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ ground black pepper more to taste
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir sugar into oil with a wooden spoon, stirring constantly, until mixture is a light caramel color, about 10 minutes. Mixture liquify as the sugar melts.
- Stir onion, salt, and black pepper into the melted sugar mixture. Reduce heat to med-low. Onions will immediately start to caramelize. Stir frequently until onions are browned, about 15 minutes.
- Pour red wine vinegar into onion mixture; simmer until mixture reaches a jam consistency, about 30 minutes.
- Remove from the heat; transfer to a serving bowl and cool to room temperature.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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