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Braised Baby Onions with Orange Juice and Balsamic Vinegar

These braised baby onions with orange juice and balsamic vinegar offer a sophisticated twist on a classic side dish. Use fresh cipolline or pearl onions to ensure a delicate texture that pairs perfectly with the bold, citrus-infused glaze. The combination of bright acidity from the orange and the deep, mellow sweetness of balsamic vinegar creates a rich syrup that coats each onion beautifully. It is a vibrant addition to any festive spread or Sunday roast.

This versatile vegan dish is as practical as it is flavourful, as it can be prepared up to a day in advance and served at room temperature or gently rewarmed. Whether you are looking for a stand-out accompaniment for a plant-based centerpiece or a savoury garnish for grilled meats, these glazed onions provide a professional, polished finish to your meal with very little effort.

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Ingredients for Braised Baby Onions with Orange Juice and Balsamic Vinegar

  • 900g fresh small cipolline onions or pearl onions

  • 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 180ml fresh orange juice

  • 180ml balsamic vinegar

How to make Braised Baby Onions with Orange Juice and Balsamic Vinegar

Blanch onions in large pot of boiling salted water 15 seconds. Using slotted spoon, transfer to large bowl of ice water to cool. Trim root end if necessary, leaving core intact. Peel onions.

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add onions and sauté until onions have deep golden brown spots, about 9 minutes. Add orange juice and vinegar; bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until onions are just tender when pierced with knife, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer onions to medium bowl. Boil juices in skillet until syrupy and reduced to 110g , about 3 minutes. Pour over onions. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm or bring to room temperature before serving.)

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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