Onion Jam

The ideal recipe for using large quantities of onions at once. The jam pairs wonderfully with cheese, as a topping for burgers, or as a spread on bread. Recipe by Sarah-Vanessa, Velvet & Vinegar

05/03/2026

The ideal recipe for using large quantities of onions at once. The jam pairs wonderfully with cheese, as a topping for burgers, or as a spread on bread.

Ingredients

Ingredients for 4 portions

2 kg Onions, mixed yellow and red

100 ml Maple syrup

150 g Date sugar or raw cane sugar

100 ml Light balsamic vinegar

200 ml Red wine or balsamic vinegar

100 ml Red wine

3-4 Bay leaves

10 g Salt

1 TL Black peppercorns

4-5 Cloves

1 TL Cinnamon

Preparation

Peel the onions and cut into thin strips.

Sauté maple syrup, date sugar, and onions in a tall pot for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Add all remaining ingredients and stir well.

Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat slightly.

Let the jam simmer on low heat until most of the liquid has evaporated (30–50 minutes depending on the stove).

Prepare clean jars. Either preheat the oven to 200° Celsius and sterilize the jars in the oven for 10–15 minutes or alternatively boil them in water for 10 minutes.

Fill the onion jam into the jars while still hot. Remove bay leaves when filling. Seal jars hot. Opened, keep for one week; unopened, several weeks. For extra safety, process the jars: place well-sealed jars in a tall pot, cover with water and boil for about 120 minutes at 100°C. Let jars cool well and store in the dark.

Note: the spices can be varied according to taste. Especially during Advent, festive spices and/or mulled wine also work well.

Serving Ideas

As a topping for burgers: assemble burgers as desired and garnish with onion jam.
With a cheese platter: delicious baguette paired with vegan cheese and a dollop of onion jam, simply heavenly. Add a good glass of red wine.
For raclette: top raclette cheese with onion jam and melt together in the oven pan.
To enhance hearty dishes or sauces: serve alongside the dish or stir into a sauce.
As a spread: simply serve on a slice of bread.
As a gift: especially during Advent or at Christmas.