This recipe is almost too simple for words, but it’s also a perfect example of those ‘little things’ that stand behind this site and my way of cooking. Little ideas or ingredients that turn your ordinary meal into something just a little more exciting.
I always have a jar with these marinated pink onions in my fridge and use them in a wide variety of dishes. It’s a little trick: soaking red onions in vinegar softens the onions, mellows the sharp onion flavor and gives them the most gorgeous pink color.
I just love how these pink onions spice up a simple chicken sandwich, roast beef or basic salad. I often use them combined with smoked salmon, a handful of lettuce leaves and some cooked baby potatoes for a quick dinner. I imagine these rings would be great on a hotdog as well, or as a special touch to your favorite burger.
I also like to use some of the pink soaking vinegar for a dressing; this turns a simple dish into something special and requires no more time than using your standard vinegar.
These onions can be kept in the fridge for several weeks. Just make sure they’re completely covered with vinegar. And if you’re not a lover of the acidity, you can always add some sugar to counterbalance the vinegar.
INGREDIENTS
1 red onion
vinegar
a clean jar
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Thinly slice a red onion in rings.
2. Place in a clean jar, fill with enough vinegar to completely cover.
3. Marinate for at least 10 minutes.
4. (The marinated onions can be kept in the fridge for several weeks)
Monique
03/12/2012 at 9:50 amDo you just add plain white vinegar or do you use a special vinegar?
TLT - The Little Things
03/12/2012 at 10:07 amPlain white vinegar, white wine vinegar (or even a light red vinegar) all work fine. Just use what you like and have on hand!
Lynn
04/12/2012 at 6:37 amBravo Denise! The first time I pickled french breakfast radishes the water turned a lovely pink! Haven’t pickled red onions yet but a grand idea. I have a combo of carrots and daikon radish in a vinegar concoction now that I like to have with a bahn mi sandwich. Maybe I’ll add red onion for a touch of pink, a Christmas bahn mi 😉
TLT - The Little Things
04/12/2012 at 9:33 amSounds like a perfect plan, Lynn!
Hayley @Recipes4Recovery
12/12/2012 at 8:37 pmWonderful idea Denise! I’ve just made a pot of these for my daddy to give to him at Christmas. Easy but so pretty. xx
Denise | TLT
12/12/2012 at 11:37 pmThanks Hayley and what a great Christmas gift! Speak you soon:)
Superfood Pomegranate, Tomato and Pepper Mediterranean Salad | Recipes For Recovery
22/12/2012 at 12:48 pm[…] pickle your red onions, simply leave them in white wine vinegar – see method here. This is also another great gift […]
Jeanne @ CookSister!
08/01/2013 at 4:25 pmOh how pretty! I often think I’d like to have some mildly pickled onion rings on demand in my fridge to liven things up – who knew they were so easy to make! Definitely want to try this…
Denise | TLT
08/01/2013 at 8:23 pmYes, these are too easy. You will definitely like them!