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Glazed Red Pearl Onions

These glazed red pearl onions offer a sophisticated and colourful addition to any dinner table. By slowly simmering the onions in a delicate blend of apple juice and savoury chicken stock, they develop a beautiful glossy finish and a tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The addition of fresh thyme provides an earthy aroma that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the red onions without the need for refined sugars.

As a low-sugar side dish, this recipe is an excellent choice for health-conscious cooks looking to elevate a traditional Sunday roast or festive feast. The gentle glazing process ensures each onion is packed with flavour, making them a delicious accompaniment to roasted meats or vegetarian nut roasts. Serve them warm with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs for a truly polished presentation.

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Ingredients for Glazed Red Pearl Onions

  • 1.1kg fresh red pearl onions

  • 180ml apple juice

  • 180ml reduced-sodium chicken broth

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 (4-inch) sprigs fresh thyme

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

  • Garnish: fresh thyme leaves for sprinkling

How to make Glazed Red Pearl Onions

Blanch pearl onions in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling water 1 minute, then drain in a colander. When onions are cool enough to handle, peel.

Cook onions with remaining ingredients, covered, in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, shaking pan occasionally, until onions are tender and glazed and most of liquid is evaporated, about 45 minutes. Discard thyme.

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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