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Tuga Pops − Sunday, January 29, 2017, 10 Years ago in Side Recipes
4 out of 5 with 67 ratings

Pickled Onions (Cebolas Cortidas) Recipe

Brighten up your meals with these easy pickled onions! They're a delicious snack or a perfect side to elevate any dish. Enjoy the flavor boost!
35 min 8 servings Easy Prep time 15 min Cooking Time 20 min
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Why you will love this Pickled Onions (Cebolas Cortidas) Recipe

Looking to jazz up your meals? Pickled onions are the way to go! These tangy, colorful bites are perfect as snacks or a zesty side that takes your dishes to the next level. With just a few ingredients and a little patience (they need about three weeks to reach their peak flavor), you’ll be rewarded with a crunchy treat that’s absolutely delicious. Let’s dive in!


Ingredients

20 (smaller) onions2 cups of wine vinegar2 cups of water2 tablespoons of salt1/5 cup of olive oil2 cloves of garlic3 bay leaves1 tablespoon of mustard seeds1 tablespoon of oregano1 tablespoon black pepper (whole, without grinding)1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes1 big jar with a lid

Equipment:

SaucepanBig jar with a lidMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsPeelerCutting boardPot for hot water

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Peel all the onions and rinse them well.
  2. In a saucepan, prepare the seasoning. Boil all ingredients (vinegar, water, olive oil, salt, garlic, bay leaves and spices) together.
  3. Heat the jar in hot water.
  4. Place onions in the jar and add the boiling seasoning over the onions.
  5. Let it cool slightly and close the lid.
  6. Store in the refrigerator for at least 3 weeks.
  7. The longer you let the onions preserve, the better the onions will taste.

Recipe Tips

To achieve a more vibrant color and enhance the flavor of your pickled onions, consider adding a few slices of beetroot to the pickling liquid. This will give your onions a beautiful pink hue and an earthy taste.
When boiling your pickling solution, allow it to simmer for at least 5 minutes after adding the salt and spices. This helps to fully dissolve the salt and infuse the flavors before pouring it over the onions.
Avoid using overly large onions; stick to smaller varieties as specified. Larger onions tend to have a milder flavor and can result in uneven pickling, leading to some being too crunchy and others too soft.
Adapted from a recipe by easyportugueserecipes.com

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
40 kcal
Fat
2 g
Carbs
5 g
Protein
1 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the wine vinegar with another type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. However, keep in mind that different vinegars may alter the flavor profile of the pickled onions.

How long do pickled onions last in the refrigerator?

Pickled onions can last up to 2 months in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. Ensure they are fully submerged in the pickling liquid to maintain their freshness.

What should I do if the onions are not fully submerged in the pickling liquid?

If the onions are not fully submerged, you can press them down gently using a clean weight or add a little more pickling liquid to ensure they are covered. This will help them pickle evenly and avoid spoilage.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and refreshing wine complements the acidity of the pickled onions beautifully.

General: Sauvignon Blanc - The crisp acidity and herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the flavors of the pickled onions.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This pale lager offers a balanced flavor that pairs well with the tanginess of the pickled onions.

General: Pilsner - A classic Pilsner's crisp and refreshing character makes it a great match for the sharpness of the pickled onions.

Other Beverages

Sparkling Water: The bubbles and slight minerality of sparkling water can cleanse the palate between bites of the tangy pickled onions.

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Reviews (6) Add a review

Pam
Pam
My grandmother made these for us as kids and were so delicious! I made several batches last year and loved them.

My Vava had a recipe and keep her jars in a dark room in the basement and we had them all winter
Is there such a recipe for making them last more than 3 week? Thanks ❤️
3 Years ago, Thursday, June 22, 2023

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
As long as the jars are sealed air tight, these will last a lot longer, we ourselves store them in a cold room and they last months.
3 Years ago, Thursday, June 22, 2023

Carolyn Cook
Carolyn Cook
The boiled liquid didn't cover the onions in the bottle. I added 1 cup vinegar and 2 cups water.
5 Years ago, Saturday, December 11, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops

It is supposed to be 2 cups vinegar and 2 cups water Carolyn.


5 Years ago, Saturday, December 11, 2021

s pereira
s pereira
dont you have to heat the jar so the boiling water mix does not vrack it
5 Years ago, Thursday, August 26, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Yes, excellent point, I will update the recipe.
5 Years ago, Friday, August 27, 2021

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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