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Pickled Pearl Onions
4.7 from 9 votes

Pickled Pearl Onions

Quick Pickled Red Pearl Onions with an incredible texture, juicy from soaking up the tangy spiced brine while retaining a super satisfying crunch. They add a burst of flavor and gorgeous magenta color to SO MANY dishes!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Cooling Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Calories: 22 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 8 oz red pearl onions peeled (1½ cups loosely packed, bag
  • 1 green chili sliced
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Brine
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons sugar optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Boil water in a saucepan and add the pearl onions and salt. Blanch for a minute. Drain the onions and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a small saucepan add vinegar, water, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, and kosher salt and sugar. Mix and simmer just until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Place the drained onions in a jar or glass bowl. Add green chili and pour the vinegar water over it. Allow it to come to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  4. Store the pickled onions refrigerated in an airtight glass jar for 3-4 weeks.

Notes

  • Notes on Ingredients 
  • Pearl Onions - Love red pearl onions as they add a beautiful magenta color to the pickles. Make sure to prep ahead the onions by trimming the ends and peeling the outer layer. Blanched them for a short time helps remove the sharp taste and softens the onions a bit so they can be enjoyed sooner. 
  • Green Chili - Adds a hint of spice to the pickles, add more or less per your taste. I recommend using Indian green chilies, but jalapenos or serranos will work too
  • Vinegar - White vinegar brings out the beautiful magenta color of the onions but you can also use apple cider vinegar if you like
  • Spices - coriander seeds and black peppercorn add a hint of warm flavors to the pickles without overpowering the taste.
  • Salt and Sugar - I highly recommend using Kosher salt for pickling as does not contain iodine. It is pure salt without any chemicals or anti-caking ingredients. sugar is optional but I highly recommend it to balance and enhance the tangy flavors

Nutrition Information

Calories 22kcal (1%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 0.4g (1%) Fat 0.1g (0%) Saturated Fat 0.02g (0%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.01g (0%) Monounsaturated Fat 0.04g (0%) Sodium 605mg (25%) Potassium 52mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 4IU (0%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 14mg (1%) Iron 0.2mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 22

% Daily Value*

Calories 22kcal 1%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 0.4g 1%
Fat 0.1g 0%
Saturated Fat 0.02g 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.01g 0%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.04g 0%
Sodium 605mg 25%
Potassium 52mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 4IU 0%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 14mg 1%
Iron 0.2mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.