Balsamic Onion Jam Crostini With Prosciutto
If you love bruschetta, you might want to have a few more options to rotate between. How about a balsamic onion jam crostini with prosciutto? It’s practically all the best Italian ingredients in one bite.
It’s easy to make.
It looks beautiful, so you can be proud serving these at a party, lunch or dinner.
And it’s not your usual tomato flavoured bread.
Let’s make it!
But first, let me answer all the questions you might have about balsamic onion jam.
What is onion jam made of?
How long does onion jam last in the fridge?
Onion jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two to three weeks. Ensure it’s placed in a clean, airtight container for optimal freshness. It’s best to sterilize your jars before, if you plan to leave them for that long. We like to enjoy our onion jam within the next 4 days.
Is onion jam the same as onion marmalade?
Onion jam and onion marmalade are very similar and the terms are often used interchangeably. Both involve slow-cooking onions with sugar and vinegar until they form a sweet, spreadable condiment.
What does caramelized onion jam taste like?
Caramelized onion jam has a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor, with a rich depth from the caramelized onions. It’s a versatile spread that can enhance a wide variety of dishes.
Should you stir caramelized onions?
Yes, you should stir caramelized onions occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn. However, avoid stirring them too frequently as it could prevent them from reaching the desired caramelization. Every 3 to 5 minutes is fine.
What is the trick to caramelizing onions quickly?
Do you caramelize onions with lid or no lid?
It’s best to caramelize onions with the lid off. Covering the pan can create steam, which can prevent the onions from achieving a true caramelization. Plus, the lid will likely create a liquid which you don’t want in your onion jam.
Is it better to caramelize onions in butter or oil?
Both butter and oil can be used to caramelize onions. Butter can add a bit of richness, but it can also burn more easily than oil. If you are making an Italian recipe, you will likely want to opt for Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as that will give you the most authentic result.
Should I salt my onions when caramelizing?
Adding a small amount of salt at the beginning of cooking can help by drawing out moisture from the onions, which can accelerate the caramelization process. I personally don’t add salt to my onions. I believe their taste is perfectly salty.
Should you add sugar to caramelized onions?
Adding sugar is not necessary as onions naturally contain sugars that caramelize as they cook. However, a small amount of sugar can be added to speed up the caramelization process or enhance the sweetness.
I never add sugar when caramelizing onions with balsamic vinegar. On the other hand, I do add some if I am caramelizing a fruit, like peaches or strawberries. That’s personal preference. You can try both ways, and see which one you prefer. However, the least sugary the healthier.
What kind of onion is best for caramelizing?
Yellow onions are often recommended for caramelizing due to their balance of sweetness and astringency. However, red, white, or sweet onions can also be caramelized, so use whichever is available to you or the one you like most. You could also try combining one of each, and see how that contributes to the overall taste.
What to eat with onion jam?
Onion jam pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It’s delicious on burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, or served with cheese and crackers. It can also be used as a glaze for meat or vegetables or as a condiment for grilled sausages and other meats. It’s beautiful on certain fish like tuna. Its sweet and savory flavor adds a gourmet twist to many traditional and modern dishes.
Balsamic Onion Jam Recipe + Making The Crostini With Prosciutto
You now have all the answers. Gather your ingredients and start making this delicious appetizer, or light meal.
Balsamic Onion Jam Crostini With Prosciutto
AlessiaEquipment
- 1 chopping board
- 1 chopping knife
- 1 large pan
- 1 tablespoon
- 1 silicone cooking spoon
- 1 cheese grater
Ingredients
- 4 slices rustic bread loaf
- 2 large yellow onions
- 3 tbsp Belmorso IGP Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
- 2 tbsp Belmorso Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- prosciutto crudo
- Pecorino or Romano cheese block a few scales for each crostini
- fresh basil leaves just a few
Instructions
- Slice your onions and add to a pan.
- Add Belmorso IGP Balsamic Vinegar of Modena , mix and let them caramelize for another 20 minutes.
- Take off the heat and leave to cool. You can then blend it for a smooth consistency, or keep it as is for a rustic chunky style. I left mine chunky.
- Brush your bread slices with some Belmorso EVOO, and grill each one. You can use a grilling pan, or the same pan you used for your onions. It will infuse the bread with that flavour.
- Top each slice with the balsamic onion jam you made.
- Add one or two slices of prosciutto crudo on top of the onions, depending on how large each is. Mine were small, so I added two.
- I used a potato peeler to shave some pecorino cheese on top of the prosciutto. You can use a proper cheese shaver.
- Add a few leaves of fresh basil.
- Drizzle a little Belmorso IGP Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and get munching. Buon appetito!
Notes
Other Italian Recipes With Caramelized Onions
And if you’d like more crostini recipes, check out this one with 3 bruschetta variations.