Name: Sumac Onions Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 large red onion, thinly sliced; 2 teaspoons sumac; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Introduction

Sumac onions are a vibrant and tangy side that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. These thinly sliced red onions are marinated with sumac, vinegar, and fresh parsley for a refreshing and versatile condiment.

A clear glass bowl filled with thinly sliced red onions that are bright purple with a slightly translucent texture, mixed with small chopped green herbs scattered evenly throughout. The onions appear to be lightly coated with a dressing that adds a slight shine and specks of dark seasoning. A silver spoon is partially visible on the right side, resting inside the bowl against the onion layers. Everything is placed on a white marbled surface, enhancing the fresh and crisp look of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large red onion, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons sumac
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Add the thinly sliced red onions, sumac, and salt to a medium bowl. Use your hands to gently massage the salt and sumac into the onions for about 30 to 60 seconds until the onions soften slightly.
Step 2: Add the red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), extra virgin olive oil, and chopped parsley to the bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly, then cover and let marinate for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Step 3: Serve the sumac onions as a side salad or versatile condiment. They work wonderfully on burgers, sandwiches, wraps, or mixed into salads.

Tips & Variations

For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced onions briefly in cold water before massaging with salt and sumac.
Swap out red wine vinegar for lemon juice for a brighter citrus note.
Add a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer a little heat in your sumac onions.
Use fresh mint or cilantro instead of parsley for a different herbal twist.

Storage

Store the sumac onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen over time, making them even more delicious the next day. Serve chilled or at room temperature. No reheating is needed.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl holds thinly sliced red onions, which have a light pink to purple color with translucent edges. The onions are mixed with small green herb pieces, likely parsley, adding specks of bright green throughout. The mixture appears lightly coated with a shiny dressing and is sprinkled with small black pepper flakes that add texture. A spoon with a turquoise handle and gold scoop rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the onion salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is sumac and where can I find it?

Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice made from dried and ground berries of the sumac plant. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine and can be found in most grocery stores with a spice section or at specialty markets.

Can I make sumac onions ahead of time?

Yes, sumac onions improve in flavor after marinating for at least 20 minutes and can be prepared up to four days in advance when stored in the refrigerator.