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Sausages with Caramelized Red Onions and Radicchio

This sophisticated high-protein dish elevates the humble sausage dinner into something truly special. The combination of sweet, slow-cooked red onions and the slight bitterness of wilted radicchio creates a complex flavour profile that perfectly complements savoury sausages. Finished with a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity, this colourful stir-fry of vegetables offers a vibrant and nutritious alternative to traditional mash or heavy grains.

Ideal for a quick weeknight supper or a fuss-free weekend lunch, this recipe uses chicken and apple sausages for a lighter, lean protein source. The dish is naturally gluten-free and packed with antioxidants from the red brassicas, making it a healthy choice for those seeking a satisfying yet balanced meal. Serve it exactly as it is for a low-carb option, or with a side of crusty sourdough to soak up the balsamic glaze.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Sausages with Caramelized Red Onions and Radicchio

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided

  • 2 medium red onions (about 275g each), halved, thinly sliced (about 1325ml )

  • 2 large heads of Chioggia or Treviso radicchio (about 575g total), cored, thinly sliced (about 1925ml )

  • 45ml balsamic vinegar

  • 4 fully cooked chicken-apple sausages (about 90g each)

How to make Sausages with Caramelized Red Onions and Radicchio

Melt butter with 1 teaspoon olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add red onions and cook until soft and golden brown, stirring often, about 25 minutes. Add radicchio and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and cook over medium-high heat until liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep onion-radicchio mixture warm while preparing sausages.

Heat remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil in another heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken-apple sausages and cook until sausages are well browned and heated through, turning frequently, about 5 minutes.

Serve onion-radicchio mixture alongside sausages.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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