How to make pickled onions Traditional english style

[Parkinson9999]

I wonder why you have to soak them in sugar solution for 24 hours. That kinda seems pointless - wouldn't it be better to add sugar to the final brine? What benefit does such soaking have - do they become softer, less bitter or smth?

[explosiv0]

how large can you go with the onions?

[BorisCheckov9]

Hey bud nice vid, Can you keep re-using the vinegar from old jars or do you need to start from fresh each time? Thanks

[jlamb1976]

@BorisCheckov9 I have been making Pickled onions for about fifteen years, and only tried to re-use the vinegar once and the onions ended up tasting vile. The best way I have found to make them is to brine them for 24 hours and use fresh vinegar either pre spiced like sarsons or spice it yourself, then when you add them to the jar put some chopped bird eye chillies in with them for extra punch.

[jhutton10]

Wow, mine are ready, and am munching on the spiciest crunchiest pickled onion I have had in many years. I have another jar where I used salt instead of sugar, can't wait to see how they came out. Actually, I could not get pickling onions so I used shallots and they work just fine. My brother also suggest using balsamic vinegar and malt vinegar in equal proportions, so will give that a go next year. Thanks for the great recipe, Jim

[kingdom464]

Looks quite easy.Will try andf see if i like the taste of it.James.South Africa

[InkycatRED]

I FUDGING LOVE PICKLED ONIONS!!!

[AnalogueHeaven]

I like them with no spices and no sugar. Just onions and vinegar. Yummy. I do use salt, though to absorb the water from inside but I rinse that off in a bowl of vinegar i just use for this purpose. (It makes no sense to me to absorb the water using salt, then rinse the salt using water)

[kuranz1]

Im from New Zealand and my grand mother used to make them but never taught us how to make them, We miss real pickled onions and now I cant wait to make them I always thought that it was hard and confusing but I see not to bad Thanks for posting Mate

[JAYALS]

@kuranz1 Glad your going to try and make some for yourself. If you make them now, They'll be ready for christmas day. And it'll be a nice little reminder of your nan. Good luck

[KingRyltar]

@JAYALS 27 video's in 3 1/2 years...guess your life is busy bro.

do you have any other old school things to share with us?

Thanks mate.

[votedvomit]

@kuranz1 im from christchurch its so easy to make these already done 5 batches scrumcious

[cptrace]

My mouth is watering! I can't wait to make these.  I miss my ploughman's lunches as I live in the US now so this will give me a little taste of home :)

[bertsdog]

hi,thy all come out a bit soft,not happy,lol.

[JAYALS]

@bertsdog Then you used too much water. The water is just to take some of the strengh of the vinegar and water it down a little. If you use too much water, they will go soggy. If in doubt, put in the water 1st it should be about 2 fingers width on any jar, then fill up the rest of the jar with vinegar. If u have another go, you will perfect it very quickly. Good luck jay

[CoDJumper]

Nice video mate, good job :)

[lozarok]

Great stuff Mate, I like to add in 1/2 Dozen Large Garlic Cloves & some Birds eye Chillis..sort of matches our Aussie Climate LOL LOZA

[JAYALS]

@lozarok Phew hot chillis. I'll have to try it, I love hot and spicy foods, The hotter the better. When i make these for myself, i usually add a good handfull of black pepper corns. This does the trick, and heats them right up. Try it, and i'll try yours lol

[ibuchanan82]

@Rikku2250 read something by Robert Louis Stevenson, or Rabbie Burns even!

Thanks for the post I'll be trying this later today!

[LostGenXr]

During the 4 week curing period, does the jar need to be refrigerated? What about after they are opened? Do they go in the frig then?

[Daffachoolapip1]

I used your recipe now that I'm living outside UK and can't buy them, and all my Brit peeps over here love them - they're delicious!! Much better than shop bought onions! Thanks for posting Jay :-)

[chmellen]

Hello, You call that a knife?

[thepricklypair]

Well explained. I'm on it.

[kieran907]

Hi. I normally put my onions in a brine solution, but I've given your recipe a go as it sounds good. Done 1 jar using salt and water and the other using sugar and water. The only difference so far is that the ones in the salt have reduced in size a little where as using your method they have stayed the same size. All sealed up in spiced vinegar now, just have to wait for the taste test. Will let you know the outcome.

[44Oneshot]

WOW thats crazy in the states we call that canning and you use mason jars that seal Google canning with Mason jars

[Pinksugarelephant]

I just finished your recipe. Now to wait...!

[jhutton10]

Have been and bought the spices, got my jar ready, just waiting for onions to become available. Am an expat living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and crave real pickled onions so can't wait to try out your recipe. Jim.

[Ccomet72]

these onions are fantastic! My husband (who's a Brit) just loves them and this is something we now include n our canning.  This will be the third year we are making them. Thanks for this fabulous video.

[JAYALS]

@Ccomet72 Thankyou very much. I'm glad your enjoying them. I will be making myself a batch at the end of the month, so that they will be ready for christmas. Nothing better than these onions with your xmas dinner.

[rgolianeh]

After watching your video, I made some here in California. But it is the middle of the summer here. Good video.

[bertsdog]

Iv done has you say,ill pickel em tomorrow night,as thy are in water now,let you know how we get on,Bert,

[JAYALS]

@bertsdog Please do let me know how you get on, and how they turn out. if you follow my video to the letter, They will turn out perfect. My grandad taught me how to make these, and his mum taught him. So this is an age old receipe well over 100 years old in our family. So i know if you copy my video exactley, you will love them. Good luck, jay

[RadioZombieX]

what do they taste like?

[TheHeartOfTheLion]

Can you cook with those onions? What are they good for if you can cook with them?

[mikesdaddy1]

I'm giving this a go. Traditional pickled onions down here in Florida. We'll see in 3-4 weeks how they are. Can't wait!

[datheat99]

i bet your breath be stank

:/

[TrustNoFukah]

thankyou so much for that

[YamiadraDJ]

lol, the little girl sounds cute, just sayin.

[sandydogy]

Hi first of all many thanks for posting! just wanted to ask the plastic is cling film fine? also the spices mix you add what happens if you do not use it and also where do you buy that from and is it espensive? and last question do you add water at the end because its malt vinegar used that is own brand? I have little experience in cooking so please forgive my lack of knowledge I just want to learn many Thanks take care Ian

[JAYALS]

@sandydogy The cling film is just to protect the metal lid from rusting. The vinegar will rot through it very quickly, Not needed if you have a platic lid. Any major supermarket will sell the mixed spices for around a £1 a box, which will make around 4 large jars of onions. The water is to water down the vinegar a little otherwise they can be a bit hot and spicy. Any malt vinegar will do the job. Good luck Jay

[Hadra568]

What kind of onions are best?

[Rikku2250]

Oh yeah this is off topic, but why are Vitorian diction always to do with London/England? I mean we have: the Sherlock Holmes books, Sweenty Todd, Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, and many others. I would to see a victorian series set in Scotland (my country) or Ireland.

[Rikku2250]

The only bad thing regarding home-made pickled onions is the long wait until you can eat them. I am such an inpatient person.

I love the fact that you have a proper Cockney accent. I can imagine on the cobbled streets of Victorian London, with a stall in a busy market, calling, "Pickled onions! Home-made pickled onions for sale! Ready to eat right out the jar! Come on, folks, they are only a shilling each!"

[JAYALS]

@Rikku2250 Well i'am a London cab driver, so your quite close lol. I often drive down old cobbled streets.

[Rikku2250]

@JAYALS

That must leave you with a sore bottom :).

[bojedis]

Great Recipe! But Ya need a good bloody knife! May I recomend a Shun?

Please visit our site at: America's Wrongfully Convicted . c0m

[KISAME4161392]

What does the sugar do? The traditional method is to soak in brine. Does this do the same thing?

[JAYALS]

@KISAME4161392 No is the short answer. The sugar is needed to sweeten them just a bit, and to help draw out the acid from the onions themselves. Thanks Jay

[Hoffa3381]

Very informative. Tks!

[luciephilip]

lovely video. well done

[jean405]

I use Parfait glass topped jars for pickles, and screw top jars for jams.

[TheUndergroundResto]

Love this ordinary English dad's video on chip shop pickled onions

[Cytacon]

I thought metal lids were plastic coated on the inside.

[JAYALS]

@Cytacon They are coated in plastic in the inside. But after just a few uses, the lid will rust right through and fall apart. I didnt use the plastic at first, but i never fail to use it now after my lid fell apart in under 12months.

[JAYALS]

@Cytacon They are yes, But i guarantee after years of practise, that unless a metal lid is protected it will rot right through. An unprotected lid will only last 6 months at most, and then the rust will contaminate the onions. Unless the lid is plastic i wouldn't recommend it. Best of luck, jay

[kenzee5525]

thanks for the advice, i tried it with white and malt.. the malt ones were lovely. cheers

[JAYALS]

@kenzee5525 Really pleased you liked them. They're good to make early november, so that they're ready for christmas. Make enough though, coz ur friends will get piggy with them lol

[imthefrogman]

thank you so very much for this post video

[jegman4]

I apologise..I didn't realise that my comments were going though Ok...new at this

[jegman4]

Hi, Can you do red onions this way also?

[jegman4]

can you do red onions this way?

[jegman4]

can you do red oions this way?

[jegman4]

can you pickle red onions this way also?

[jegman4]

Can you pickle red onions this way also?

[celticwomanfan76]

After eating all of the pickled onions, save the vinegar and use it on your fish and chips. Wonderful! I add brown sugar, a couple extra cloves and a cinnamon stick to my pickled onions. For an added zing, add a couple dried hit peppers.Forget the water.

[celticwomanfan76]

After eating all of the pickled onions, save the vinegar and use it on your fish and chips. Wonderful!

[MegaSkiboy]

thanks for makeing this vid i am going to the shops to by the stuff

can'rt wait to make them

[A1R5N1P3R]

I speak American.

[proxforxlife]

@A1R5N1P3R you mean english?

[A1R5N1P3R]

@proxforxlife American is the new and proper way to speak and be made sense of, english if the old and backward way to speak.

[whitbyjet65]

@A1R5N1P3R There's no such language as American.

[A1R5N1P3R]

@whitbyjet65 Learn to speak American, only wizards and chimney sweeps speak english.

[whitbyjet65]

@A1R5N1P3R You strange little man!

[A1R5N1P3R]

@whitbyjet65 They grow them bigger in America, get used to it. Why do you think english women vacation in America so often?

[whitbyjet65]

@A1R5N1P3R Well when you're old enough to pay for your first sexual experience, you can enjoy one of those English women. Until then, please slither back into that crack in the floorboards that you appeared from.

[A1R5N1P3R]

@whitbyjet65 To late, I've reproduced a few times now, with a strong superior German-American woman. America is the future !! Learn to speak American, or remain a chimney sweep forever !!

[adubord]

Thanks for the video JAYALS!!! I made a batch and am waiting for the 24 hours sugar process to end. IDK IF I CAN WAIT 3 WEEKS!!! They look so delicious now! I'm sure in 3 weeks they will be absolutely lovely to eat!

[HArkificate]

Im sorry dear boy but your pickeling spices are incorrect if you are trying to retrieve that sweet yet mischevious tang, you have to add that ludicrous amount of my darling spice that is cinammon. Good day to you squire i bid you goo luck you foxy baron. 'Hoot, hoot'.

[gwatson101]

Thanks good video. I'm going to try this.

[TheYouwillsuffer]

can you use a plastic contaner like a bucket or does it have to be glass contaner

[youfillintheblank1]

Would heating or boiling the vinegar not speed up the process? I am not a patient man, and I love onions! Haven't tried this yet, might do soon, here in Canada we don't ususally get those small "english" onions, only big white, or yellow or spanish. Bick's English pickled onions are absolutely tits, but they are also $3.29 for a jar of 6-8 onions!!!

[non1mus]

Pretty much how you make pickled anything. They look tasty.

[AudieOFyle]

Looks like a great recipe. Very often we see recipes that call for onions to be soaked in a brine mix. Is salt not needed. ?.

[JAYALS]

No salt is needed, Just the sugar to sweeten them slightly. Good luck

[kenzee5525]

can you use normal white vinegar ??

[JAYALS]

You can use all types of vinegar. I would suggest tring out a small jar of each type of vinegar you can purchase. Then you will know which you like best.

[JAYALS]

@kenzee5525 You can do yes. But would try 2 jars, one with spices, one without. British chip shops sell onions made in white vinegar, but they add no spices. Adding spices will completeley change the taste, and then at least you know which batch you prefer. But only malt vinegar will make traditional english pickled onions.

Good luck,

Jay

[utsoccerwarrior8]

Can you reuse the vinager for another batch?? I live in the US and malt vinager is expensive. Or could you mix whit and malt??

[JAYALS]

@utsoccerwarrior8 I have done in the past yes. Just make sure you drain all the old spices out of the vinegar. Then add new spices again when making a new batch.

Good luck

[peterm3964]

78 secondS to peel one onion . WHat next !!!

[dino29uk]

Pickuwd Anwans

[TheVittleVlog]

Very informative...Thanks for the info!

[kingsk83rd]

For the best pickled onions you will ever eat add a whole bottle of tabasco in there!

[NARCOPOLO76]

i pickle eggs that way.

[31minger]

Thank you so much for the respice :-)

[Andypotent]

You sure do love your onions. That was a smart move with the cling-film/plastic to protect the lid, I'd have never of thought about rust.

[CoupeGrace]

I like your accent ^_^

[JAYALS]

Ha ha ha Thankyou :-)

[dave1233345]

whats the sugar 24 hour thing for?

[JAYALS]

The 24hr soak in sugar does a couple of things. It takes away the sharpness, bitterness and replaces the tang with a slight sweetness. It also keeps them crunchy for alot longer. Without sugar they go soft quickly, with a soak in sugar they last about 6 months.

[mreisma]

what does the first 24 hours of sugar water do?

[homerdave2007]

Thanks for the recipe, I will be making a batch soon, Got lots of onions on sale at the grocery store. Can't wait to try.

[runnerbean1952]

these are the finest onions i have ever tasted u should have a gold onion award. thanks very much. u have a good year.cheers!!!!

[astro7041]

thank you so much for the spice recipe. Wish you and yours the very best and healthy 2010. x

[ambajet]

big thank you these were the best pickled onions ever, a real hit over xmas. will definitely making more.

[JAYALS]

Iam really pleased. thankyou for letting me know that u have made them and that they were a hit with everyone. Knew they would be if you followed the receipe to the letter. Good luck with the next batch.

[astro7041]

Thanks for the recipe. I am going to follow it but I live in Cyprus and can't get the pickling spice ready packed. Would you tell me which ones I need please so I can make it up myself. Thanks in advance

[JAYALS]

The pickling spices contain the following:-

corriander seed 40%

Yellow mustard seed 5%

Dried chillies 5%

allspice 5%

Ginger 5%

black peppercorns whole 5%

bay leaves 4%

be carfeull with the peppercorns, these will make the pickles too hot if u add to many. Good luck jay.

[ngoc54]

Damn!

Wish my mother made pickled onions, Instead she makes pickled carrots\cabbages\ and various other vegetables expect for onions, I'll try this out one time and hide it my father, He loves onions.

[ChickenRosie]

This is brilliant - this chap really makes me want to make this recipe, he sounds so nice and the voice of the child in the background is just lovely! He should be on TV!

[JAYALS]

Ha ha thankyou,Tv sounds good. I do have other receipes for you all, But getting time to add them is difficult at the moment. I will add other receipes in time.

[JAYALS]

The 24hr soak in sugar does a couple of things. It takes away the sharpness, bitterness and replaces the tang with a slight sweetness. It also keeps them crunchy for alot longer. Without sugar they go soft quickly, with a soak in sugar they last about 6 months.

[backyardsounds]

Question. What was the purpose of the over night soak in the sugar water if you just rinse off all the sugar?

[jlamb1976]

@backyardsounds You can use a strong brine solution for the overnight soak, it does the same job but it doesnt make them sweet.

[backyardsounds]

my first taste of pickled onions were from England actually. My boss who was English, brought me a jar and they were delicious.  He said they were a staple in a lot of pubs there...

[jlamb1976]

@backyardsounds True but sadly the old style English pub is dying out and being replaced with big chain owned bars. They go lovley with a pint, I like a pint of cider and a pickled onion (makes your ears wiggle).

[bloodred32567]

FANTASTIC i was just eating some pickled onions whilst i was watching this video. Good Work

[gunsmiff]

Thanks for sharing Jayals..

Got 3 jars on 24 hour water/sugar.....Malt and spices tomorrow.............:)

[mrsthursday]

sounds great. I haven't had real pickled onions for years. But I thought you'd have to have the liquids hot and jar boiled and still hot to pickle. Also are the pickle spice necessary? thanks.

[JAYALS]

Wash the jar thoroughly, but definatly no hot liquids. You dont need the pickle spices, but they do make a huge difference in the taste. Try making a jar with and without the spices so you know which suits your tastes better. Good luck

[mrsthursday]

thanks. i did some with pickle spice and some with just bayleaf and peppercorns and they look lovely all lined up in the cupboard my english relatives have been eyeing them and even tried marking their names on the jars! My canadian husband is a real 'foodie' and can't wait to try 'em 'cos the ones they sell here in Canada r just horrible sweet things with no taste. cheers, can't wait for ur families other recipes.

[JAYALS]

Good luck, The only problem is, you will always have to make them from now on. As soon as they run out, your family will pester you to make more.

[history546]

once they have turned brown, how long do they last untill they expire?

[JAYALS]

History they will last around 4/6months. They are fine all the time they still have they're crunch. As soon as they start to go soft, chuck them away and make a new batch. And save the vinegar the pickles were in for your chips.

[drfrisby]

7:46 its paused dad!

[Wivanunu]

These look great! I love pickled veggies too! Especially with a bit of Jalapeno added and garlic! Yum!!!

[xwsftassell]

Yeah, love pickled onions. Just eating one now, as it goes.

[boiledrootbeer]

Nice, I do like to pickle vegetables. I put some jalapenos in my jars; I like them hot. Did my first batch of cucumbers this week, hope they turn right. MMMMMMMM

[JAYALS]

Malt vinegar is the same vinegar, use splash over your hot chips. I wouldn't advise using any other type of vinegar.

Good luck

[SunnaDefense]

What is Malt Vinegar ? and Can I use like apple cider vinegar or any regular cooking vinegar instead ? Thanks

[cloudsdream17]

What is the purpose for the sugar in the over night soak? Also, I can't find any malt vinegar were I live. Would a good white or apple cider 5% vinegar work just as good?

[JAYALS]

Any superstore should stock malt vinegar, asda, morrisons, sainsburys etc.

Other vinegars just dont work. If you use white vinegar, they come out the same as the onions you buy from your chippie. You soak them over night in sugar, to take the sharp, bitterness away. Without the soak in sugar overnight, they are just too strong to eat.

good luck finding your malt vinegar.

[veedebee]

If you can only find white vinegar then put it in a pan with some brown sugar and bring it the boil - 1litre = 200grammes - and then let it cool down. You can put your pickling spices in when you boil it up too to infuse into the vinegar.

Cider vinegar works, it just gives a different taste, not a traditional English flavour.

[jamiepots]

hi, how do u make the onions have a really strong,spicy flavor? is it if u leave them for longer before eating?

[JAYALS]

If you add a small handfull of black peppercorns to the mix this makes them really hot and spicy. But i find if you leave them for 6/8 weeks before opening them for eating this will make them spicy enough, without being hot. I reccomend trying this first, and then if you like them hotter, make them with peppercorns the next time.

good luck

[JAYALS]

They are good for about 9/12 months once opended. Just keep them in a cool place, such as under a kitchen cupboard.

As soon as they begin to go soft, chuck them. All the time they're still crunchie keep them.

[nat10rob]

Ive made these onions, going by your recipe. I cant wait to try them :) However should i refrigerate them?

[JAYALS]

No definatley not. Vinegar is a preservative anyway. Just put them in a cool place. At the back of a kitchen cupboard is best. Dont forget to leave them for at least 4 weeks before eating. They will keep improving over the weeks as well, as these will keep for about 9/12 months. good luck

[JAYALS]

Your best to just keep them in a dark, cool place, such as the back of a kitchen cupboard. You dont have to refrigerate them.

Good luck, please let me know how they turned out.

[Gunnarsguns]

Great vid...thanks

[JAYALS]

I will add more of my home made recipes that have been passed onto me as soon as i get a chance. So mine are ready for xmas, i make mine the first week of november. My helper is my 11 yr old daughter. Good luck.

[sewsweet08]

t hankyou i will give this a go! great for xmas gifts!!

i am in australia wondering where to get the pickling spice. i will try the regular supermarket. ok do you make your own homemade sauce? love these traditional recipes

thankyou! looks like you had a little helper too :)

[MaxCowTheBovine]

Thanks very much for this video; I've just followed your directions, so fingers crossed! You should do a pickled eggs video (something I tried yesterday; I'd be interested in your recipe).

[JAYALS]

Thankyou. Please let me know how they get on. Remember to leave them for about 4 weeks for them to be their best. As the weeks go on they will keep improving too. Gaining more flavour all the time.

[AntiVenomFangX]

i added garlic cloves and carrots to my vinegar mix but my garlic is turning blueish, and im curious is that something i should not worry about?

[JAYALS]

Have never added anything else other than black peppercorns to make them hot, but dont add to many as they get really hot. Anything else added has a risk of turning them, dark brown is the correct colour.

[AntiVenomFangX]

do i refridgerate them at all?

[JAYALS]

No do not refridgerate them. Just keep them in a cool cupboard. In with the plates and dishes is good enough. thanks jay

[evilkate666]

i am going to try this....thanks for sharring!!!

[JAYALS]

Please let me know how ur onions turned out. left 3/4 weeks they taste g8. Also, a large jar requires 1 tablespoon of sugar, small jars 1 teaspoon of sugar. Good luck!!

[JAYALS]

No salt needed. Some people do, But i find them sweeter without salt. Forgot to mention, (small jar)1 Teaspoon of sugar, (large jar) 1 Table spoon of sugar.

[Rikku2250]

don't you need salt too?