Tropea Onion Jam


One of my favorite new cookbooks this year is Preserving Italy by Domenica Marchetti. It is the only Italian canning and preserving cookbook written in English that I’ve found. I have some Italian language cookbooks that deal with canning and preserving, but this one is written in English and is specific to canning and preserving. I plan to write a comprehensive cookbook review next week as we have family visiting us here in Umbria now and my time is limited, but I will tell you that this cookbook is a keeper!

I’ve tried a couple of recipes from this book this summer, but my favorite hands down has been this Tropea Onion Jam. I serve this jam alongside a wedge of Gorgonzola Dolce cheese and some crusty Italy bread and everyone raves about the flavor combination.

I made a double batch back in July, and most of it is already gone so I’ll have to make more soon. I have a few jams and preserves that I make each and every summer for our guests here in Umbria, and this jam will certainly be added to my list for future canning.

The recipe calls for Tropea onions, which are an amazing sweet onion from Calabria, but if you cannot find Tropea onions, Domenica suggests using any firm, young red onion. The recipe calls for Sangiovese or another full-bodied red wine, and I used Sagrantino, which is Umbria’s best known full bodied red.

You might be tempted to leave out the spices but although the flavor is subtle, they do add a lovely complexity to this jam so I would recommend using them.

This jam is wonderful served with aged cheese, fresh creamy cheese such as Brie, and as I suggest above, a nice creamy Gorgonzola Dolce. Although I have yet to try it, Domenica suggests using this jam on burgers with blue cheese which also sounds heavenly. If any of the jars fail to seal properly, simply store them in the refrigerator and use these jars first.


51ccleV2KvL._SX410_BO1,204,203,200_Click On Book To Order on Amazon.com

 

Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele 

Tropea Onion Jam

Tropea Onion Jam

Yield: Makes 1 1/4 Pints
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 Pound Tropea Onions Cut Into Small Dice (See Notes Above)
  • 2 Cups Sugar
  • 1 Cup Full-Bodied Red Wine
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 10 Whole Peppercorns
  • 1 Whole Clove
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1-inch Piece Vanilla Bean
  • 1/2 Cinnamon Stick
  • 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar

Instructions

  1. Combine the onions, sugar, wine, and side in a heavy bottomed saucepan.
  2. Create a sachet using cheesecloth to hold the peppercorns, clove, bay leaf, vanilla bean and cinnamon stick, and tie securely with kitchen string.
  3. Add the sachet to the pot and continue to cook over medium high heat until the mixture reaches 225 degrees F., or until the mixture thickens.
  4. Add the vinegar to the jam and stir.
  5. Ladle the jam into hot, sterilized jars leaving a 1/4 inch headspace.
  6. Wipe the rims with a warm, clean cloth and secure the lids firmly.
  7. Process the jars in a boiling water bath that covers the lids by 1-inch for 10 minutes.
  8. Remove the jars from the water bath and allow to cool to room temperature.
  9. Store in a cool dark place before using.

Did you make this recipe?

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10 Comments

  1. I pre-ordered this book and am eager to get started (I love cuisine-specific preserving books). Just curious–have you been to Tropea, or anywhere in Calabria? Trip dreaming has commenced for spring…

  2. Ciao Deborah,
    It makes me happy to know that you are enjoying Preserving Italy. I love this recipe, and your beautiful photos remind me that I need to make a new batch. One day I hope to visit you in Umbria and we can talk food, preserves, and more. xox Domenica

    1. Domenica, your onion jam has been a huge hit with everyone I serve it to. I need to start working through your book to try some other delicious recipes. You are welcome to visit anytime!

  3. I have the book “Preseving the Italian way” by Pietro Demaio which is in english. I found this in a bookshop in Naples and although he is Australian he does have Italian roots. Loads of receipes. Isbn 9780646490083

    1. Yes, I was going to mention Pietro Demaio’s book, too. I live in Australia, so naturally bought it here, but it’s excellent. Have just finished making Domenica’s Tropea Onion Jam from her newly purchased book, and the only thing “wrong” is that it doesn’t make enough! I didn’t use Tropea onions, of course, but supermarket red onions worked out well, so I can only imagine how good it must be to use the real thing. Will make it again soon and double the recipe. Am looking forward to trying many more recipes in the book.

      1. Thanks Christine, I’ll look for the book! I agree, I made a double batch of the Tropea Onion Jam and still ran out too quickly!

      1. Dear Deborah,
        Made this..it is really good with pate too. I used Greek red onions but the result delicious !!
        Best wishes from Crete.

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