Sumac Onions (Turkish Onion Salad)
Bright, tangy, and incredibly versatile, Sumac Onions are a staple in Turkish cuisine, offering a vibrant burst of flavor to any meal. This simple yet profound salad combines thinly sliced red onions with the unique citrusy notes of sumac, a touch of salt, rich olive oil, and fresh parsley. It's an essential condiment that elevates everything from grilled meats to sandwiches with its refreshing zest and beautiful color.
Prep Time
7 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
27 minutes (including marinating)
Servings
4-6 servings as a side or condiment
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Packed with a vibrant, zesty flavor that brightens any dish.
- Incredibly quick and easy to prepare, requiring no cooking.
- Highly versatile, serving as a simple side, condiment, or topping.
- Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and a healthy addition to your plate.
- Adds beautiful color and a refreshing crunch to your meals.
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion (approximately 200g-250g), thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons (approximately 10g) ground sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon (approximately 2.5g) fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon (approximately 15ml) red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (approximately 15ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (approximately 5g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Begin by meticulously preparing the red onion. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the large red onion into delicate, uniform rings or half-moons. The thinner the slices, the more readily they will absorb the vibrant flavors of the sumac and vinegar.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the thinly sliced red onion with 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of ground sumac and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of fine sea salt. With clean hands, gently but firmly massage the sumac and salt into the onion slices for about 30 to 60 seconds. This crucial step helps to soften the onions, draw out some of their pungent raw flavor, and infuse them deeply with the tangy, earthy notes of the sumac.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl: 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of red wine vinegar (or fresh lemon juice for a brighter tang), 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon (5 grams) of finely chopped fresh parsley. Mix all the components together thoroughly, ensuring the onions are evenly coated with the dressing and herbs.
- Cover the bowl and set it aside to marinate at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the onions to further tenderize. If not serving immediately, store the sumac onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife or mandoline
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container (for storage)
Essential Success Tips
- Slice the red onions as thinly and uniformly as possible for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Don't skip the massaging step; it's essential for softening the onions and infusing them with sumac.
- Adjust the amount of salt to your preference, especially if using a coarser salt.
- For the freshest taste, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice if opting for it.
- Allowing ample marinating time (at least 20 minutes) is key for the flavors to fully develop.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To achieve perfectly tender yet crisp onions, always slice them as thinly as possible. If you want to further reduce the raw onion bite, briefly rinse the sliced onions under cold water and pat them completely dry before massaging.
- For an extra layer of complexity, lightly toast your sumac in a dry pan over low heat for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!), then allow it to cool before adding to the onions. This intensifies its aromatic qualities.
- Consider adding a pinch of dried mint or a very finely minced garlic clove to the mixture for an additional authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
Notes
- These sumac onions are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a simple side salad with grilled meats, add them to burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and even green salads for a burst of flavor.
- You can experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or oregano for a slight variation in flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor will deepen over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sumac?
Sumac is a spice made from the dried and ground berries of the wild sumac flower. It has a distinctive tart, citrusy flavor with a slight fruity note, and a beautiful deep red color. It's a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Can I use white or yellow onions instead of red?
While red onions are traditional and provide the best color and a balanced flavor, you can use other onion varieties. However, white onions might be a bit too pungent, and yellow onions lack the vibrant color. If using them, you might want to soak them in ice water for 15 minutes first to mellow their sharpness.
How long do sumac onions last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, sumac onions will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Their flavor tends to deepen slightly over time.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~60 per serving, Fat: ~5g, Carbs: ~4g, Protein: ~1g (based on 6 servings).
Allergy Information
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. No common allergens are present other than possible cross-contamination if not handled in a dedicated allergy-free environment.
){kind=link}
No comment