Caramelised Onion & Plum Jam with Comte
This caramelised onion and plum jam is slow cooked allowing the onions to caramelise slowly, browning as they release their natural sugars. I do not add any sweeteners, as the plums also add a bit of sweetness. You can definitely add some sugar or maple if you choose, this is just my way.
You can make the jam up to a week in advance.
Ingredients:
Plum & Onion Jam (no Sugar)
Onions, red - 350g , peeled, halved and sliced
Plums, 300g approx. 3x, cored and roughly chopped
Thyme/ Lemon Thyme - 4 sprigs / Native thyme, dried 1/2 tsp
Olive oil - 1tbs
Butter 20g
Red wine 100ml / sub with water for alcohol free version
Balsamic Vinegar 1 tsp
Water 1/2-1 cup
Pepper, cracked black to taste
Salt to taste
Comte or any aged hard cheese like manchego or smoked gouda would do, even a lovely aged cheddar. 150g
Crackers of Choice to serve.
Fresh thyme to garnish, optional
Vegan Option* use Vegan Feta and ensure the wine is vegan, replace butter with 1tbsp Olive oil.
Method:
Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat, add in the olive oil to prevent the butter from browning . Add onions and cook until softened and just translucent, 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the thyme (sugar if you plan to use 2-3tbsp) and plums and a splash of water (2tbsp) continue cooking on low heat for another 10 mins, till the onions start to turn soften and the plum begins to disintegrate.
Add the wine & cook on medium heat. Once the wine has reduced to half add 1/2 a cup of water, salt + pepper and cook for 15. Add in the balsamic and if the jam is getting too sticky some more water. Cook for a few more minutes, check for seasoning and adjust. If you plan to add maple now is the time.
Allow to cool, store in the fridge for up to a week in an air tight container.
Serve on crackers or toasted baguette with chunks of cheese and some fresh thyme. Enjoy with wine or cocktails.
Cocktail Suggestion: Blackberry & Thyme Gin Fizz
Let me know if you make it. Tag me @coco_and_chili on Instagram if make it and use the #coco_and_chili