Vegan Glazed Pearl Onions

🛒 Ingredients

• 500 g fresh pearl onions (or frozen, thawed).. 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
• 1 tbsp maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar (replaces traditional honey/sugar)
• 150 ml good‑quality vegetable stock.. 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp sea salt.. Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 bay leaf (optional, for depth).. 1 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prep the onions: If using fresh pearl onions, trim the root end and cut a tiny cross in the base so they hold their shape while cooking. Blanch in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and rinse with cold water — the skins will slip off easily. If using frozen, simply drain well.

2. 2

   Sauté: Heat the olive oil or vegan butter in a wide frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled onions in a single layer, and cook gently for 5–6 minutes, turning often, until they turn pale golden all over.

3. 3

   Simmer & glaze: Drizzle over the sweetener of your choice, then add the vegetable stock, vinegar, salt, pepper, and bay leaf if using. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until the onions are tender when pierced with a knife.

4. 4

   Finish the glaze: Remove the lid, increase the heat slightly, and cook for a further 3–5 minutes, tossing the onions gently until all the liquid reduces to a thick, shiny glaze that coats every onion evenly. Discard the bay leaf.

5. 5

   Serve: Transfer to a warm serving dish, scatter generously with fresh herbs, and serve immediately as a side to roasts, stews, or festive meals.