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Making your pickled red onions at home is not only super easy and fast, but it’s also a very appetizing and inexpensive recipe! Plus, the pickles will be healthier than their store-bought counterparts, as you can decide to substitute the refined sugars contained in them with more wholesome alternatives. Here is how to prepare some delicious sugar-free pickled red onions. 🧅
Have you ever considered making your pickled red onions at home, but gave up because you thought it was too complicated or time-expensive? Nothing more wrong! Indeed, making some healthy homemade sugar-free pickled red onions is easier than you could have ever imagined!
In addition, you have total control over the amount of sugar that goes into your pickled veggies. We all know that the brine of store-bought pickles often contain loads of refined sugars. These are not the best if you want to take care of your long-term health, and lower the possibility of suffering from chronic health conditions (such as type-2 diabetes, coronary diseases, and even certain types of cancer). This is why I went completely (refined) sugar-free, and opted instead for some way healthier honey.
N.B.: if you are vegan, you can easily substitute it with some agave syrup.
Another great thing about this homemade red onion pickles recipe is that it is a good way to use all the leftover onions you have in the fridge. I hope that I am not the only one that needs half an onion, leaves the rest in the fridge, and then forgets about it… or am I? 🤣
All you need for these sugar-free pickled onions is a refrigerator, a glass jar with an airtight cap, and some pantry-friendly ingredients that you probably already have at home (the brine is made of just salt, water, honey or agave syrup, and white vinegar – or if you’d like, partially with some apple cider vinegar). Mix everything and let the onions sit in the fridge for at least one day (the more patience you have, the better the final result will be). In less than 5 minutes of preparation, you will have some delicious homemade sugar-free pickled onions!
N.B.: You can find more detailed instructions down below.
Sugar-free Pickled Red Onions: what’s so good about them?
- Good fermented foods
Fermented veggies like these pickled red onions contain high amounts of probiotics and digestive enzymes. These are essential in maintaining healthy gut flora and in assisting digestive processes. In addition, fermented foods can enhance the quality of our skin, and even treat skin conditions that are strictly linked to the working of our gut, including acne and rosacea. - A powerhouse of vitamins and minerals
Red onions are particularly rich in folate, or vitamin B9. This vitamin is crucial in red blood cell formation and for healthy cell growth and function. In addition, red onions contain essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. All of them are essential in preventing inflammation in the body and boosting our immune, nervous, and digestive systems. - Reduce bad cholesterol and improve your glycemic curve
Did you know that the white vinegar used in the brine is excellent for controlling and preventing blood sugar spikes? And that it can even be helpful in reducing bad cholesterol levels? The merit goes to the acetic acid contained in it, a chemical compound with anti-inflammatory and microbial properties. - An extremely inexpensive recipe
This homemade pickles recipe is an extremely inexpensive way of making your own pickled veggies! Indeed, it’s not a mystery that store-bought pickles can be quite expensive. With this recipe, you will have a jar of delicious pickled onions for less than $2!
Plus, it is a very smart remedy to consume all the leftover onions you have in the fridge. And we all know that wasted food also means wasted money! - A great addition to every dish!
These sugar-free pickled red onions are extremely versatile and are a great addition to a plethora of different dishes. Use them to spice up your boring salads, or to increase the nutritional value of your pasta dishes.
They also go so well in Mexican-inspired dishes, such as these Veggie Fajita Bowls, which are one of my favorite dishes ever!
What are you waiting for? Go and try this easy pickled onions recipe, and let me know how you liked them in the comments down below!
Sugar-free Pickled Red Onions
Ingredients
- 2 Red Onions
- 1 cup White Vinegar or agave syrup
- ½ cup Water
- ¼ cup Honey
- 2 tbsp Salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large mason jar.
- Shake well to combine. Make sure the honey isn't sitting at the bottom of the jar!
- The pickled red onions will taste great the next day and will be good for 30-60 days, with a longer shelf life in the refrigerator.