These Sumac Onions are found all over the Middle East. They are a delicious, crunchy, tangy condiment that compliment so many different types of dishes. A quick-pickled red onion using lemon juice and sumac, eliminating the sharpness of the onion. These onions are wonderful on sandwiches, rice dishes, salads, kabobs, the list goes on and on. We love them on our Smoked Salmon Sandwich! The onions take 20 minutes to prepare and keep in the fridge for a 3-5 days.
What are Sumac Onions?
Sumac is a spice that comes from dried berries. Sumac is used extensively throughout the Middle East for cooking and many other applications. It is a gritty powder that has a deep red color and tastes tangy and slightly acidic. You may be able to find it in the International Aisle of a regular grocery store, or any International or Middle Eastern Market.
Sumac Onions are red onions that have been quick pickled with some lemon juice, a generous amount of sumac, and some salt. The lemon juice helps break down and soften the onions, and the sumac contributes a delicious tangy flavor as well as a beautiful purplish color. The mixture has to sit for at least 20 minutes before serving, but will keep in an airtight container for 3-5 days. These onions are great for adding an easy crunchy layer of flavor to any dish. We love these onions on sandwiches, shawarmas, with grilled meats, and so many different ways.
Sumac Onions
Ingredients
- 1 Medium Red Onion thinly sliced
- 4 tsp Sumac
- 3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by halving and then thinly slicing the red onion into half-moons.
- Add onion, sumac, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil to a medium sized bowl. Mix thoroughly with your hand making sure all the onion slices are separated. Add salt to taste, a generous amount of salt will be needed here.
- Allow the onions to sit for at least 20 minutes.
- Enjoy on sandwiches, grilled meats, salads, etc!
