If you are looking for a dish that is bursting with bright flavors yet incredibly easy to make, the Simple Sumac Onions Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant and tangy side is a staple in Middle Eastern kitchens and adds a zesty punch to any meal. With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, you get a balance of tartness, slight sweetness, and a beautiful pop of color that enhances everything it touches. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again to brighten up your dinners with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a specific role to create a harmonious flavor and texture. Every component is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the onions’ best qualities and the signature earthy tang of sumac.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for the perfect crunch and mild sharpness that forms the base of the dish.
- Sumac: A tart, lemony spice that defines the dish’s unique flavor profile.
- Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the onions and balances the acidity.
- Red wine vinegar or lemon juice: Adds a bright acidity that lifts all the flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and smoothness while rounding out the sharp edges.
- Fresh parsley: Provides a fresh green note and a hint of earthiness to complete the dish.
How to Make Simple Sumac Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Onions
Begin by peeling and slicing one large red onion as thinly as possible. The key here is the thin slicing to ensure that the onions become tender and soak up all the flavors without overpowering your dish.
Step 2: Combine with Sumac and Salt
Place your sliced onions in a medium bowl and sprinkle 2 teaspoons of sumac and 1/2 teaspoon of salt over them. The salt not only seasons but also helps soften the onion, while the sumac starts to impart that gorgeous tangy aroma.
Step 3: Massage the Mixture
Gently massage the sumac and salt into the onions for about 30 to 60 seconds. This simple action helps break down the onions slightly, making them more tender and ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Stir in your acid of choice—either 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar or lemon juice—along with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and a tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley. This combination is the perfect finishing touch that adds brightness, depth, and a fresh herbal note.
Step 5: Marinate and Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 20 minutes. This resting time is crucial because it allows the onions to soak up the dressing and develop complex, layered flavors. The Simple Sumac Onions Recipe truly shines after a little wait!
How to Serve Simple Sumac Onions Recipe
Garnishes
This recipe can be garnished with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional sumac for an extra pop of color and tartness right before serving. A few whole sumac berries can also be a beautiful decorative touch.
Side Dishes
Simple Sumac Onions are fantastic alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or hearty grains like couscous or quinoa. Their bright acidity cuts through rich flavors, making them a great companion for fatty or smoky dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling these onions atop sandwiches, wraps, or burgers to add crunch and zing. They also make an excellent topping for hummus or fattoush salad, bringing a fresh burst that elevates your everyday meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Simple Sumac Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as delightful as freshly made.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled. Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the onions and the freshness of the dressing can suffer upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold side dish, reheating is unnecessary. Serve straight from the fridge or let it come to room temperature to enjoy the full brightness of the flavors.
FAQs
What is sumac, and where can I find it?
Sumac is a tangy, lemon-flavored spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking. You can find it at specialty spice shops, Middle Eastern markets, or online.
Can I use white onions instead of red onions?
Red onions are preferred for their sweetness and vibrant color, but if you only have white onions, use them very thinly sliced and soak them briefly in cold water to reduce sharpness.
Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar?
Lemon juice is an excellent and equally flavorful substitute that brings bright acidity and freshness to the recipe.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Fresh mint or cilantro would add a lovely twist, and a pinch of sumac extra when serving can enhance the tartness.
How long should I marinate the onions?
At least 20 minutes in the fridge is recommended to let the flavors meld, but you can leave them longer for a more pronounced taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about how quickly you can pull together the Simple Sumac Onions Recipe and how it instantly lifts the simplest meals. Whether you want a vibrant salad on its own or a zesty condiment to crown your plates, this easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to for adding freshness and flavor every time!
Print
Simple Sumac Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and tangy Middle Eastern-inspired salad featuring thinly sliced red onions marinated with sumac, a lemony spice, combined with olive oil, vinegar, and fresh parsley. This easy recipe adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to sandwiches, wraps, burgers, or as a refreshing side salad.
Ingredients
Onions
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
Seasoning & Dressing
- 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
- Combine: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced red onion, sumac, and salt. This will begin to soften the onions and infuse them with the characteristic tangy flavor of sumac.
- Massage: Gently but thoroughly massage the sumac and salt into the onions for 30 to 60 seconds to help release moisture and intensify the flavors.
- Add dressing: Stir in the red wine vinegar or lemon juice, the extra virgin olive oil, and the chopped fresh parsley to coat the onions evenly.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 20 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve: Enjoy this zesty sumac onion salad as a refreshing side dish, a condiment, or a flavorful topping for burgers, sandwiches, wraps, or other salads.
Notes
- Use thin slices of red onion to ensure quick marination and a pleasant texture.
- Sumac provides a tart lemony flavor, but if unavailable, lemon zest can be used as an alternative.
- The salad tastes best after marinating for at least 20 minutes but can be prepared well ahead of time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Adjust salt and vinegar to taste depending on your preference.
