Caramelized Onion and Fig Jam

Kathy
Dec 17, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jul 3

Grilled Cheese with Maple Candied Bacon, Caramelized Onion & Fig Jam

Brie, Prosciutto and Caramelized Onion & Fig Jam on Ciabatta.

I adore figs—their sweet, earthy flavor is divine. But, as nature would have it, they’re a fleeting indulgence: seasonal, sometimes hard to find, and, let’s be honest, often a bit pricey.

One day, rummaging through my pantry looking for olives, I spotted a jar of fig preserves while staring at a bag of sweet onions below. Why not? With just one or two ingredients, I was certain this was a homerun idea. This sweet and savory jam has become my go-to for impressing friends and family. I affectionately refer to it as a cheater recipe or, as Sandra Lee would say, semi-homemade. It’s outrageously delicious, and no one needs to know how simple it is. Let your friends savor every bite—just don’t be surprised when they return the jar... asking for more.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. onions, thinly sliced - red, sweet, or combination.*
2-3 T. olive oil
1 t. fresh thyme (if necessary, substitute with dried thyme; do not use ground thyme)
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar, plus a little water if needed
1- 2 t. sugar
13-oz. jar of fig preserves – two of my favorites are Bon Maman and St. Dalfour
Cracked pepper to taste

*I spent years thinking a mandoline was a frivolous gadget in the kitchen. I was wrong. It's a must-have, not just for onions, but for lots of other things you slice: apples, carrots, potatoes, pears, root vegetables. I own this Cuisinart Mandoline, or check out this Vekaya Mandoline

Directions

Combine the onions and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or sauté pan. Cook over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and the thyme and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for about 20 minutes, stirring often. Sprinkle the sugar over the onions, add the remaining vinegar, and continue to cook for another 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture begins to look dry, add a splash of water and stir.

Remember, low and slow is the key to beautifully caramelized onions—don’t rush the process. The onions will reduce by nearly two-thirds as they become rich, golden, and jammy.

Before Cooking Caramelized Onions With Jam

When onions are rich, dark brown (not burned), remove from heat, add the jam, and mix thoroughly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Tip: It takes as much time to make one batch as it does four batches. The onions will reduce in volume by two-thirds. I've learned a 10" or 12" skillet can accommodate one batch of onions, and a 5.5 Dutch oven can accommodate 3 lbs. of onions. I've usually got 2 or 3 pans working to make multiple batches for gifting.

Something to Remember: As an Amazon Affiliate, purchase the fig preserves through the links in the recipe, and A Life Well Fed will receive a small percentage commission from Amazon.

Packaging

I like to use these nostalgic Mason Jars. Each jar holds eight oz, and if you double the recipe, you'll have three sweet and savory jams ready for gifting. Also, check out these I love these jars from Bormioli Rocco Quattro Stagioni, At 13 ounces, they are the perfect size for his jam. And they make for a fun party glass for your favorite beverage, especially Cranberry Cocktail.