Name: Sumac Onions
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 Medium Red onion (- sliced); 1 tsp Sumac; 2 Tbsp Lemon juice; 1 Tbsp Olive oil; Salt and pepper

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Today, we are preparing sumac onions, a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine. This simple recipe features thinly sliced onions combined with sumac, a unique spice known for its citrus flavor. Sumac grows abundantly in parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean regions.

Derived from the berries of the sumac plant, this spice has a tart taste that is reminiscent of lemon and vinegar. These flavors complement the natural sweetness of the onions beautifully.

Ingredients

Parsley, Red Onion, Sumac, Olive Oil, Lemon.

Red onions are sweeter and have a milder flavor than white onions. However, you can substitute white onions for red onions. For a fancier side dish, consider using thinly sliced shallots or halved baby onions. The vibrant flavors of sumac, combined with the olive oil that coats the onions, create an interesting medley. Adding lemon juice brings a burst of acidity that ties all the ingredients together. If you prefer a sweeter condiment, consider adding a tablespoon of honey to enhance the flavors. You can usually find sumac in most supermarkets in the international aisle. It’s also available at health food stores, as well as Middle Eastern and Mediterranean markets.

Instructions

Start by washing and lightly chopping your parsley. The next step is to slice your red onions thinly. Do not overlook this step. Red and white onions have a robust, pungent flavor, which can be too much for some people, so we strongly advise thinly slicing your onions. One way to reduce the intensity of the onions’ flavours is to soak them in a little cold water for 5 to 10 minutes. This step will reduce the onion’s spicy heat, making the dish less pungent.

The next step is to add the Sumac and olive oil. Add a squeeze of lemon juice. It is essential to mix the ingredients well. You want the Sumac to coat the entire onion and parsley. For the best results, let it rest for ten to fifteen minutes. Allowing the flavors to meld together will help the onions absorb the Sumac. The Sumac’s tartness with the onion’s sweetness will produce a beautiful flavor.

What to Serve with your Sumac onions?

You can serve Sumac Onions with a wide variety of dishes. Consider adding it to your salads for a crunchy, tart element, or to your grilled cheese sandwich. This side dish will add a lovely surprise flavor. Sumac onions are often paired with Baba Ghanoush, Hummus, and Grilled meat.

How to Store your Sumac onions?

Store in the fridge for three to five days. Onions left in the fridge for a few days tend to release water. If they become mushy, they might not be edible. It is important to check the sumac onions after 2 to 3 days to ensure they are edible. Different refrigerator temperatures affect the longevity of condiments. Freezing sumac onions is not recommended; it will alter their texture.

Sumac Onions

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Servings: servings

Calories: 21kcal

Author: thetastejournal.com

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Ingredients

Instructions

Chop the Onions: Thinly slice the onions, or use a mandolin. Add the sliced onions to a bowl.
Mix the ingredients: Add lemon juice, sumac, olive oil, salt and pepper in the bowl. Mix all the ingredients so that the onion is coated with all the ingredients. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.