Sumac Onions – Marinated sumac onions or Turkish onion salad are a tangy side dish or topping that takes 5 minutes to make. Pair the sumac onion salad with grilled meats like kabobs, salads, vegetable dishes, and wraps like my Turkish tantuni.
WHAT ARE SUMAC ONIONS?
Turkish sumac onions are thinly sliced red onions massaged with and marinated in sumac, olive oil, and lemon juice (sometimes red wine vinegar) to flavor and soften the onions.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Onion: I prefer the sharpness of red onion, but you can also use white or yellow onion.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice from one lemon is all you need for a nice pop of acidity. Other recipes rely on red wine vinegar or pomegranate molasses instead of lemon to provide tartness.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color to the salad and compliments the flavor of the other ingredients.
- Spices: Season the onions with sumac and salt. Sumac is a popular Middle Eastern spice found online and in health stores. However, I recommend visiting a local Middle Eastern store to explore; the ground-up sumac berries give the dish its signature color and flavor.
- Olive Oil: Be generous with the olive oil; since it is a prominent ingredient, I recommend using high-quality olive oil if you can.
HOW TO MAKE SUMAC ONIONS
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add the ingredients to a serving bowl and massage to combine for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Taste and season with sumac. Then, cover and set it aside for at least 30 minutes before serving.
EXPERT TIPS
- If you find the flavor of red onions is too sharp, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, drain, pat them dry, and use them as is.
- If you prefer more heat, add a touch of ground Aleppo pepper or paprika.
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SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Sumac marinated onions often accompany chicken and red meat dishes but also act as a garnish for sandwiches, salads, and soup; brighten any meal with this healthy side dish.
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WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS
- Refrigerate – Store the leftovers in an airtight container; they will keep for 4-5 days. Since onions naturally contain water, I don’t recommend freezing them since they will become soggy once thawed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is sumac?
Sumac ‘summāq’ means ‘dark red’ in Arabic, and it refers to a spice commonly used throughout the Middle East to top popular meals like fattoush. It comes from sumac berries, which are dried and ground into a coarse red powder for culinary purposes.
What are the onions on a kebab?
Sumac onions are a staple in kebab restaurants. They will serve them on top for meals like tantuni or on the side if ordering something like adana kebab.
How do you make raw onions less spicy?
Soak the onions in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain the onion, pat them dry, and proceed with making the salad.
What does sumac taste like?
Like lemons, sumac is tart and slightly sweet. It’s a perfect way to acidity to any meal without citrus.
What are the benefits of sumac?
According to an article written by contributors for Lebanese International University, studies show that sumac contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and the spice is helpful for meat tenderization and preservation.
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Sumac Onions
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, juice
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground sumac
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Add the ingredients to a serving bowl and massage to combine for about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and season with sumac. Then, cover and set it aside for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- If you find the flavor of red onions is too sharp, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, drain, pat them dry, and use them as is.
- If you prefer more heat, add a touch of ground Aleppo pepper or paprika.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Ali Aslam
Wednesday 19th of April 2023
I've had these twice now and they are great! A healthy way to add so much flavor to a steak or lamb dish. I've had it over salad and shawarma now and it tastes very authentic.
Julia Cooper
Wednesday 19th of April 2023
I just made this Sumac Onion Salad for the first time and I can't believe how easy it was! The tangy and bright flavors paired perfectly with my grilled chicken and added a refreshing twist to my dinner. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!