Simple Sumac Onions

Looking for a quick and flavorful way to elevate your meals? These Simple Sumac Onions are just what you need! With their vibrant, tangy flavor and slight crunch, they’re the perfect topping for just about anything—from salads to grilled meats or even tucked into wraps. The best part? They take just minutes to prepare, yet bring such a refreshing punch to your dishes. If you’ve never tried sumac before, get ready for a citrusy, earthy flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Simple Sumac Onions

Here’s why these onions will be your new favorite condiment:

Bright & Tangy Flavor

The sumac brings a tangy, lemony zing to the onions, making them a perfect contrast to rich and savory dishes. It’s that little burst of freshness that will take any meal to the next level.

Quick & Easy

This recipe couldn’t be simpler. It takes just a few ingredients and a few minutes to prep. You won’t need to spend a ton of time in the kitchen to make this delicious topping.

Versatile

These Simple Sumac Onions pair beautifully with so many dishes—grilled meats, roasted vegetables, salads, and even in sandwiches or wraps. They add that extra layer of flavor that completes your meal.

Healthy & Fresh

Onions are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, and the sumac adds a dose of vitamin C. This is a healthy way to amp up your dishes without any fuss.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Simple Sumac Onions:

Red Onions

Red onions have a natural sweetness and mildness that work wonderfully when paired with sumac. Their vibrant color also adds a pop to your dishes!

Sumac

Sumac is the star of the show here. This tangy, citrusy spice brings a unique flavor that’s both tart and earthy. It’s a key ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, and once you try it, you’ll want to use it all the time.

Olive Oil

A drizzle of good quality olive oil helps soften the onions while adding richness and depth to the flavor.

Lemon Juice

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the onions and enhances the sumac’s citrusy kick.

Salt

A little salt brings everything together and helps balance out the flavors.

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Simple Sumac Onions:

Slice the Onions

Start by thinly slicing your red onions. The thinner the slices, the more the onions will soften and absorb the flavors, so go ahead and slice them as thinly as you can.

Toss with Sumac & Olive Oil

In a medium bowl, toss the sliced onions with olive oil, sumac, and a pinch of salt. Make sure each onion slice is evenly coated with the sumac and olive oil.

Add Lemon Juice

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the onions and toss again. The lemon juice will add brightness and bring out the tanginess of the sumac.

Let It Marinate

Let the onions sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the onions to soften just enough. You can also let them marinate for a little longer for an even stronger flavor.

Serve & Enjoy

These Simple Sumac Onions are ready to serve! Spoon them over your favorite dishes and enjoy the burst of flavor they bring.

How to Serve Simple Sumac Onions

These onions are perfect for:

On Grilled Meats

Top off grilled chicken, lamb, or beef kebabs with these tangy onions for an extra flavor boost.

In Salads

Add them to your favorite salad for a pop of color and a zesty twist. They’re especially great with fresh greens, feta, and olives.

With Roasted Vegetables

Pile them on top of roasted vegetables like eggplant, cauliflower, or carrots for a flavorful contrast.

In Wraps or Sandwiches

Layer them in wraps, pita, or sandwiches—especially if you’re making a Mediterranean-style meal. They’re the perfect crunchy and tangy addition.

As a Side Dish

Serve them as a side dish on their own or alongside other appetizers like hummus or baba ganoush.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients

For the best flavor, use fresh red onions and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Fresh ingredients will elevate this simple dish.

Adjust the Sumac

If you love the tangy flavor of sumac, feel free to add a little more to taste. It’s a flexible recipe that you can easily adjust to your liking.

Add Fresh Herbs

For an extra burst of freshness, add some finely chopped parsley or mint. These herbs complement the sumac beautifully and add another layer of flavor.

Make Ahead

If you’re prepping for a meal or gathering, feel free to make these onions ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and let the flavors develop for an hour or so.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 35
Total Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total Carbohydrates: 6g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 0%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 2%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of onion?
A1: While red onions are ideal for their mildness and color, you can use yellow onions or even shallots for a slightly different flavor profile.

Q2: How long can I store the sumac onions?
A2: These onions are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavor may become more intense as they sit.

Q3: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A3: Absolutely! You can add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce if you want to add some heat to the tangy onions.

Q4: Is sumac hard to find?
A4: Sumac is available at most Middle Eastern grocery stores or online. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with lemon zest and a little bit of vinegar for a similar flavor, though it won’t be quite the same.

Q5: Can I use these onions in a salad?
A5: Yes, they make a great addition to any salad, especially those with Mediterranean ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta.

Q6: Can I add other spices to this recipe?
A6: Feel free to get creative! A pinch of cumin or coriander can add a nice depth of flavor, and a touch of garlic powder can bring out an earthy richness.

Q7: How can I make these onions milder?
A7: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the sumac mixture to reduce their sharpness.

Q8: Can I make these onions ahead of time?
A8: Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time and let them marinate for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop even more.

Q9: Are sumac onions suitable for vegan diets?
A9: Yes, they’re entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly!

Q10: What are other uses for sumac?
A10: Sumac is incredibly versatile! It’s great on roasted vegetables, sprinkled on hummus, in salad dressings, or even in marinades for meats and fish.

Conclusion

These Simple Sumac Onions are an easy, flavorful way to elevate any dish. With their bright, tangy flavor and vibrant color, they’ll add a burst of freshness to everything from salads to grilled meats. Whether you’re looking to try something new or just want a quick way to enhance your meals, these onions are the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!

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