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Simple Sumac Onions Recipe

Simple Sumac Onions Recipe

The Simple Sumac Onions Recipe is a quick and easy tangy onion dish featuring sumac, a lemony Middle Eastern spice, combined with red onions, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. This vibrant, refreshing topping or side adds bold flavor and color to salads, grilled meats, sandwiches, and more, with an optional burst of fresh parsley for added freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons sumac spice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Start by thinly slicing your red onions. The thinner the slices, the softer the bite and better melding with the sumac and dressing. Place them in a bowl for easy mixing.
  2. Add the Sumac and Seasonings: Sprinkle sumac generously over the onions, followed by a pinch of salt to draw out their natural sweetness and balance the tartness of sumac.
  3. Mix in the Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: Pour fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the onions and seasoning, then toss everything together to ensure even coating and flavor distribution.
  4. Let It Rest: Allow the mixture to rest for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature so the flavors meld beautifully and the onions soften slightly without losing crunch.
  5. Garnish and Serve: If desired, stir in chopped fresh parsley for an herbal pop and extra freshness before serving as a topping or side.

Notes

  • Use fresh sumac for the brightest flavor; old sumac can become dull and muted.
  • Thin onion slices soak up the sumac and lemon juice better, resulting in a softer texture.
  • Let the onions rest at room temperature to intensify flavor instead of refrigerating immediately.
  • Adjust lemon juice amount based on how tart your sumac is to balance acidity.
  • If raw onions are too sharp, soak the slices in cold water briefly before seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: sumac onions, simple sumac onions, Middle Eastern onion salad, tangy onion recipe, vegan appetizer, gluten-free side