Traditional English Pickled Onions

Serve with cold ham, bread and cheese. These pickled onions are made with dark malt vinegar and stored for at least 6 weeks before eating.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 28 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 3 cups malt vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mixed pickling spice
• 2 dried chile peppers, crumbled
• 0.5 cup salt
• 2.25 pounds pearl onions, peeled

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place the peeled onions in a glass or ceramic bowl and cover with cold water. Drain the water into a saucepan and stir in the salt. Bring just to a boil so that the salt dissolves, then cool slightly and pour over the onions. Cover the bowl with a heavy plate so all of the onions stay submerged. Leave onions to stand for 24 hours.

Step 2

Measure the vinegar into a saucepan. Tie the pickling spice into a cloth and add to the vinegar along with the bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Rinse the onions and pat them dry. Add to the saucepan with the vinegar. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Pack the onions into sterile jars and ladle the brine over them until they are covered. Add a dried chile pepper to each jar if you like. Seal with sterile lids and rings and store in a cool dark place for at least 6 weeks before opening.