Spicy Onion Jam

From EatingWell: May/June 2008 — Subscribe Now!

Any type of onion will work for this chile-and-pomegranate-infused jam. Spread crostini with goat cheese and top with the spicy-sweet jam for a quick appetizer or tuck some into a steak taco. If you're a fan of spicy foods, use the full amount of ancho chiles.

2 cups

Active Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

2-4 dried ancho chiles, stemmed, seeded and broken into pieces
1 cup pomegranate juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds onions, thinly sliced (see Kitchen Tip)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Place chiles in a small dry saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add pomegranate juice and bring to a boil; cover and remove from the heat. Let stand for 20 minutes. Transfer to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, add onions and cook until very soft and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Add sugar and vinegar and cook until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Increase heat to medium; add the chile puree and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 4 minutes. Stir in salt.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Kitchen Tip: Onions contain a volatile compound called lachrymator that reacts with the fluid in your eyes and makes them water. To chop them without crying, try wearing goggles, burning a candle nearby or cutting them under cold water. To mellow the bite of a raw onion, soak it for an hour in 1 cup cold water, 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt and then rinse thoroughly.

Nutrition

Per tablespoon: 20 calories; 1 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 3 g carbohydrates; 0 g protein; 0 g fiber; 38 mg sodium; 40 mg potassium.

Exchanges: free food