These are two things that you will almost always find in my fridge as both can instantly bring even the dullest meal to life – and they are perfect to pop in the packing pile to take camping – even a humble sausage is transformed! In winter I often swap out the basil/pinenut combo in the pesto for rocket/walnut and it is equally good. The onion jam/caramelised onions can be made with red or brown onions, although generally I think the red version looks a little more interesting. Both can be used in sandwiches and rolls, on pizza, stirred through pasta, baked into muffins, on toast with eggs….seriously, even though I know it is a dorky thing to say – they are your secret weapons against food boredom! Basil Pesto
2 big handfuls fresh basil (50g)
1/3 cup grated parmesan
1/3- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup lightly toasted pinenuts
1 large or 2 small cloves garlic, peeled
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 big handfuls fresh basil (50g)
1/3 cup grated parmesan
1/3- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup lightly toasted pinenuts
1 large or 2 small cloves garlic, peeled
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Throw everything in a blender and whizz until as smooth as you like. Keeps in a sealed container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Perfect in sandwiches, on pizza, stirred through pasta and even with crostini or crackers. Makes 3/4 cup.
Caramelised Onions
¼ cup olive oil
5 medium red onions, peeled and sliced – aim for thin slices
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons caster sugar
black pepper to taste
small pinch chilli flakes, optional
Heat olive oil in a big heavy based pot. Add onions and salt and cook over a medium heat for 25-30 minutes until nice and soft, stirring every once in a while so that they don’t catch on the bottom. In between stirring, half cover with the pot lid – I always rest it on the wooden spoon laid across the top of the pot, so it is mostly covered, but not completely. After half an hour add balsamic vinegar and sugar, remove lid completely and cook a further 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you like a little heat throw the chilli flakes in now too. Once you add the sugar the onions will brown up more and go more caramelisey – if your heat is a little low you might want to increase it a bit now. If the onions seem a little dry add an extra tablespoon of olive oil and stir through then season with black pepper. Leave to cool then spoon into a sealable jar or container. Makes about 1 1/2 cups and keeps for up to a week in the fridge.
I always have pesto in my fridge too! But onion jam is something I rarely have. Definitely need to give this a try!
Thanks Katrina – I'd love to know what you think! 🙂
What a beautiful gift! I love this idea and the styling is gorgeous!
Thank you so much Millie – yay 🙂
These are two of my summer fridge staples as well. Your photography is beautiful Sarah.
Thanks so much Gillian, I really appreciate it! 🙂
These look amazing. One quick question. When you say 'a cup' how big are we talking. I think the Herbilicious Nutty Salad with Feta and Radish will be on the menu tonight. It looks scrumptious and the photography as amazing as ever. Indie
Hi Indie – whoops, just saw your comment! In New Zealand a cup measure is equivalent to 250mls – hope that helps 🙂
I use the Onion Jam on sheets of Flaky Pastry, pre-marked into squares and topped with anchovies or Parmesan. Cut properly when cooked – a wonderful start to a meal.
Yum!!!! 🙂
Hi Sarah,
I just found about your blog thanks to great photo of these jams.
I like basil pesto and I'm adding it in many dishes, but I never had caramelized onion jam – that's something I will definitely try soon 😉
Yum – sounds fabulous – like Pissaladiere! 🙂