Sweet and Tangy French Onion Jam: A Flavor Explosion for Every Meal

This sweet and tangy French Onion Jam is truly delectable. The rich, complex flavors will instantly remind you of classic French Onion Soup. Versatile and delicious, this jam can be enjoyed in countless ways, from brunch and appetizers to lunch and dinner. Spread it on crusty bread for a simple treat. Use it to elevate your next pork chop, hamburger, or chicken breast with a burst of bold flavor. This recipe is simple to follow, yielding a jam that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

A Symphony of Flavors: What Makes This Jam Special?

This isn’t your average onion jam. The combination of sweet raisins, savory onions, and tangy Worcestershire sauce creates a truly irresistible flavor. Rich beef broth and a touch of white wine enhance this depth. The thyme adds the familiar herbal note, perfectly balancing the sweetness and acidity. It’s a culinary experience in every bite.

From Soup to Spread: The Inspiration Behind the Jam

The inspiration for this jam comes from the classic French Onion Soup. We’ve taken those comforting caramelized onion flavors and transformed them into a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Imagine the rich, savory broth, the sweet, softened onions, and the hint of thyme – all captured in a jar of goodness.

Making the Magic: The French Onion Jam Recipe

This recipe is straightforward, but the key is patience. Allowing the onions to slowly caramelize and the flavors to meld is what creates the magic.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup Raisins
• 3 Medium Onions, cut into 1/8” – 1/4” strips
• 1/3 cup Sugar
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 3/4 cup Beef Broth
• 1/4 cup White Wine
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme

Instructions:

1. Prepping the Onions: The key to a good French Onion Jam lies in the onion preparation. Peel and cut your onions into 1/8” – 1/4” strips. Consistency is key here. They don’t need to be perfectly uniform, but avoid cutting some too thick and others too thin. If they are too thin, the jam will be more of a spread with limited texture. If the onions are too thick, they won’t cook down properly, especially if the cuts are uneven.
2. Combining the Ingredients: Use a 1.5 – 2 quart saucepan with a lid. Add the sliced onions, raisins, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, white wine, salt, and thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. The First Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the onion mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring intermittently. This slow simmer is crucial for developing the rich, caramelized flavor.
4. Refining the Texture (Optional): After two hours, remove the lid. At this point, you have a choice. If you prefer a smoother, more spreadable jam, use a stick blender to gently pulse the mixture 5-6 times. This will break down some of the onions while still leaving some texture. For a chunkier jam, perfect for topping meats, skip this step. The jam in the photo was refined.
5. The Final Simmer: Continue cooking the onion mixture uncovered over a low simmer for another hour, stirring occasionally. The jam should thicken considerably during this time.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Taste the jam and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. The jam is best served warm, but it can also be enjoyed cold.

Serving Suggestions: Unleash the Flavor

The versatility of this French Onion Jam is truly remarkable. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Appetizer Delight: Spread it on crusty bread, crostini, or crackers with goat cheese or brie for a sophisticated appetizer.
• Burger Bliss: Top your burgers with a generous spoonful of this jam for an explosion of flavor.
• Pork Perfection: It’s the perfect complement to grilled or roasted pork chops.
• Chicken Upgrade: Add a dollop to chicken breasts or thighs for a touch of sweetness and tang.
• Brunch Star: Serve it alongside eggs, omelets, or pancakes for a unique brunch experience.
• Cheese Board Companion: It pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses.

Storage and Freezing:

Store leftover jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Be aware that freezing can affect the consistency slightly after thawing.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Rush the Cooking Process: Slow simmering is essential for developing the deep, caramelized flavor.
• Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the jam will taste.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Don’t be afraid to add a little more salt, a pinch of pepper or red chili flakes, or more thyme to your liking.

We hope you enjoy this delicious French Onion Jam recipe!

Let us know in the comments how you plan to use it.

Share your creations on social media using #FrenchOnionJam and tag us!

I can’t wait to see what culinary masterpieces you create.