Sauteed Apples and Onions Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 large apples, cubed
• 1 large sweet onion, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Melt butter in a saut pan over medium heat.
2. Add apples, onion, salt, cumin, and balsamic vinegar; saut until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Cook's Note

You can substitute olive oil for the butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information	Amount
Calories	226
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	195mg
Total Carbohydrate	44g
Dietary Fiber	8g
Total Sugars	29g
Protein	2g
Vitamin C	22mg
Calcium	53mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	465mg

Servings Per Recipe

2

Daily Value Percentages

• Total Fat: 8% of daily value
• Saturated Fat: 19% of daily value
• Cholesterol: 5% of daily value
• Sodium: 8% of daily value
• Total Carbohydrate: 16% of daily value
• Dietary Fiber: 28% of daily value
• Protein: 5% of daily value
• Vitamin C: 24% of daily value
• Calcium: 4% of daily value
• Iron: 4% of daily value
• Potassium: 10% of daily value

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins

Sauteed apples and onions is a relatively modern dish that blends two distinct flavorssweet apples and savory onionsinto a harmonious side dish. While not tied to a specific region, this dishs combination of fruits and vegetables is popular in many culinary traditions. It is especially common in American cuisine, often appearing as a simple, comforting side dish to accompany meats like pork, sausages, or chicken. The dish's appeal lies in its simplicity, using just a few basic ingredients like apples, onions, butter, and seasonings.

Regional Variations

Although the concept of cooking apples with savory ingredients is not new, the particular combination of apples and onions is more prevalent in American and European cuisines. In some parts of the United States, this dish is particularly popular in autumn, when apples are in season and often associated with fall flavors. In Europe, particularly in France and Germany, the combination of fruit and savory vegetables in cooking is common, and variations of this recipe can be found in many homes and restaurants. In these countries, the dish may be enhanced with local herbs or spices such as thyme or caraway seeds.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Sauteed apples and onions stands out from similar dishes in its unique balance of sweetness and savoriness. Unlike apple-based desserts or traditional caramelized onions, this dish combines the natural sweetness of apples with the tangy depth of balsamic vinegar and the earthy warmth of cumin. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine through in a way that is not overly sweet or overpowering. While there are many savory dishes that pair apples with pork or poultry, few bring together these two ingredients in such an accessible and quick-to-prepare format.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is usually served as a side dish or topping rather than the main course. It is commonly paired with roasted or grilled meats, particularly pork, sausage, or chicken, where the sweetness of the apples complements the richness of the meat. It also works well as a topping for a hearty grain like rice or quinoa, or even as a side with mashed potatoes. In addition, it is an excellent choice for festive meals such as Thanksgiving, when apples and onions are a seasonal favorite. The warm, savory-sweet profile makes it a perfect complement to autumnal dishes.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of apples and onions dates back centuries, with early European recipes combining sweet fruits with savory meats in various forms.
• In some regions, this dish is a popular topping for sausages, a pairing that reflects the European tradition of combining apples with sausages, which is especially common in Germany and the UK.
• The choice of balsamic vinegar in this dish adds not just tanginess but also a hint of sweetness that elevates the overall flavor profile. The use of balsamic vinegar is an Italian influence, though it has been adopted in many American kitchens for its versatility.
• Apples are rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C, making this dish a nutritious and satisfying option, especially when paired with other healthy sides like greens or grains.

Conclusion

Sauteed apples and onions is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that brings together the contrasting yet complementary tastes of sweetness and savoriness. Whether you're looking for a quick side dish or something to accompany a main course, this dish fits the bill. It showcases the versatility of apples in savory cooking and serves as a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something deliciously satisfying.

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