Gourmet Onion & Bacon Conserve

Onion Bacon Jam is not your traditional sweet preserve, but it’s definitely worth trying! This savory, rich, and tangy condiment brings a unique twist to your favourite dishes. With the deep, caramelized taste of onions balanced by the smoky saltiness of bacon, this relish is an absolute game-changer.

Perfectly paired with cheese and crackers, spread on sandwiches, or even mixed into ground beef for an extra layer of flavour, Onion Bacon Relish will take your meals to the next level. Try it once, and it just might become your new favourite kitchen staple!

Irene Muller

Onion & Bacon Relish (Chutney)

Looking to elevate your favorite dishes? This homemade bacon and onion relish (chutney) is the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavours.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: Global

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 500g smoked bacon cut in small pieces
• 4 medium red onions thinly sliced
• 1 white onion thinley sliced
• 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 10ml mustard seeds
• 125ml brown sugar
• 125ml Turkish Fig Balsamic Reduction or any other balsamic vinegar
• 100ml old brown sherry
• 4 bay leaves
• 5ml cayenne pepper

Method

 

Method:

1. Crisp the Bacon

   In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics

   Using the same pan, sauté the onions, garlic, and mustard seeds in the rendered bacon fat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping up any browned bits.
3. Deglaze & Reduce

   Pour in the sherry and stir in the brown sugar. Let the mixture reduce by half, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely.
4. Combine Ingredients

   Add the balsamic reduction, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
5. Finish Cooking

   Return the bacon to the pan and let the mixture simmer until thick and syrupy, about 10 minutes.
6. Store & Serve

   Transfer the relish to a sterilized 500ml jar, allow it to cool, then refrigerate to let the flavorus meld.
7. Serving Suggestions

   Enjoy this relish as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats. It also pairs beautifully with cheese platters and roasted vegetables.

   📌 Storage Tip: Keep refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to two weeks.