Caramelised red onion chutney
Caramelised red onion chutney is a sweet and tangy condiment made with red onions, wine vinegar, light sugar and a hint of fresh chilli. The Thermomix TM7 caramelises the onions with controlled heat, developing rich, deep flavours without burning. Ideal with cheese boards, burgers or cold meats, this chutney turns simple onions into a glossy, sticky delight with minimal effort.
About this recipe
Caramelised red onion chutney with the Thermomix TM7 transforms humble red onions into a glossy, jam-like condiment that rivals anything from a delicatessen. If you have been searching for a chutney recipe Thermomix fans swear by, this one relies on the TM7 caramelising function to coax out deep, golden sweetness from the onions without scorching, something that demands constant attention in a traditional pan. The all-in-one kitchen machine cooks the onions gently while you get on with other things, and the measured addition of wine vinegar and light sugar creates that classic sweet-and-tangy balance. A fresh long chilli adds subtle warmth that lifts the whole jar. Spoon it over a cheese board, spread it on burgers, pair it with cold meats, or decant it into pretty jars for a homemade gift. This is the kind of quick preserve that makes an everyday lunch or festive platter feel far more special, and it keeps beautifully in the fridge.
Preparation tips
- Slice the red onions as evenly as possible so they caramelise uniformly; uneven slices lead to some pieces turning jammy while others stay crisp. Remove the seeds from the fresh long chilli if you prefer a milder chutney, or leave them in for extra warmth.
- Sterilise your jars before filling by rinsing them with boiling water and letting them dry completely. Fill the jars while the chutney is still hot, seal immediately, and store in the fridge. The flavours deepen nicely after a few days.
- For a richer depth, swap half of the wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar, and try adding a sprig of thyme during cooking. Remove the thyme before potting. This chutney also makes a lovely gift tied with ribbon and a handwritten label.
Recipe variations
- For a fruitier version, add a handful of dried cranberries or chopped dates during the final stage of cooking; their natural sugars complement the caramelised onions and create a festive chutney that pairs wonderfully with baked brie and Christmas cheese boards.
- Make a balsamic-rosemary variation by replacing half the wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar and adding a sprig of fresh rosemary, then removing it before potting. This gives an earthier, more aromatic character that suits roasted meats and rustic sourdough.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Caramelising control - The TM7 caramelises the red onions with controlled heat, creating golden sweetness without burning. [Temperature Control]
- Fine chopping - The Thermomix slices the onions evenly in seconds, ensuring uniform caramelisation and no tears. [Time Saving]. [Time Savings]
- Weighing precision - Weigh the light sugar and wine vinegar directly into the mixing bowl of the Thermomix for exact balance. [Built-in Scale]
- Hands-free cooking - The Thermomix stirs the chutney automatically while it reduces into a glossy, sticky preserve. [Hands-Free]
- Guided cooking - Cookidoo guides you step by step through the chutney recipe on the TM7 display with preset stages. [Guided Cooking]
Ingredients
- olive oil
- red onion
- fresh long red chilli
- light brown sugar
- salt
- red wine vinegar