Caramelised Red Onion Chutney (Thermomix)

Your Christmas Make-Ahead Hero!

When it comes to Christmas, the best gifts you can give yourself are the little things you’ve prepped ahead of time. This Caramelised Red Onion Chutney is one of those gems.

👉 Cookidoo Recipe Link: https://cookidoo.co.uk/recipes/recipe/en-GB/r441760

(See below for non-thermomix version)

It’s incredibly easy to make in the Thermomix, uses simple ingredients, and punches well above its weight in flavour. Sweet, sticky and caramelised, it transforms even the simplest food into something festive and special.

Why this chutney is perfect for Christmas:

• Make-ahead friendly: Makes 400g and lasts for weeks in the fridge

• Zero-waste magic: Instantly elevates leftover turkey, ham or cheese

• Budget-friendly: Onions, vinegar, sugar — that's pretty much it!

• A thoughtful edible gift: Spoon into a small jar, add ribbon and a handwritten note

My Cooking Tips

• The recipe call for onions “wedges”, but I prefer to slicing the onions, so the chutney has a finer texture

  
  

• If you don’t have red wine vinegar (200ml), use balsamic or apple cider vinegar

  
  

• I only add a very small bit of chilli, my boys don’t like things too spicy

• Ventilate the kitchen while it cooks, hot vinegar is pungent!

Slice the Onions rather than using onion "wedges"

How to Serve It

Here are my favourite ways to use this chutney over the festive season:

• On a cheese board with Brie, Cheddar, Goat’s cheese or Stilton

• On top of "Parmesan Shortbreads with Chilli & Fennel" (Thermomix recipe) with some cream cheese

• Spooned onto canapés, crostini or puff-pastry bites

• Added to leftover-turkey or ham sandwiches

• Served with pâté or cold meats during the lazy days between Christmas and New Year

• Stirred into gravy or pan juices for an instant flavour boost

Final Thoughts

This is one of those small, simple recipes that elevates everyday food into something much more special and also reduces food waste — exactly what Ecoconscious Living in the Kitchen is all about.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how you get on!

Paula

Real Food Made Easy @ Ecoconscious Living

Caramelised Red Onion Chutney - a must for Christmas!

If you like this post, you might like the following related posts:

Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup (Thermomix)

Ecoconscious Gift Wrapping 3 Ways

Tips for batch cooking and freezing food

For those of you without a Thermomix here is a standard cooking version:

Ingredients:

• 25 g olive oil

• 500 g red onions, thinly sliced

• 200 g soft brown sugar

• 200 g red wine vinegar (or balsamic)

• ½ to 1 fresh red chilli (cut in strips) (Optional)

• 1 tsp sea salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. Heat oil in a wide saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add sliced onions and cook 15–20 minutes until soft and beginning to caramelise, stirring often to make sure they don't burn.

3. Stir in brown sugar, red wine vinegar, chilli (optional) salt and pepper.

4. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–35 minutes, stirring often.

5. Cook until thick, glossy and jam-like. Add a splash of water if it catches.

6. Spoon into sterilised jars and allow to cool before sealing.

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