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Caramelized Sumac Onion Spread [Keto]

This sumac caramelized onion spread is deeply flavored with warm aromatic spices and tangy sumac. It’s a Middle Eastern side dish that is going to wake up your tastebuds in the best possible way.

The flavors of these caramelized onions are bright, fragrant, and an unexpected delight to your palate.

Impress your family and friends with a vegan side dish of sumac onions that also happens to be keto-friendly. 

This recipe for sumac onion spread goes well with just about any meal, but it’s especially welcomed when enjoyed with our labneh low carb yogurt cheese, our keto sumac harissa chicken, and our keto-friendly flatbread. 

Be sure to also check out our entire collection of keto Mediterranean recipes.

Caramelized Sumac Onion Spread

Caramelized Sumac Onions(keto-friendly)

It’s a fairly quick side dish that can be made ahead and warmed right before serving. I promise you that this easy recipe is tasty and will open a world of flavors if you’re not accustomed to cooking with aromatic spices.

The recipe uses red onions sliced and then seasoned with a combination of ground sumac, allspice, ginger, cinnamon powder, cumin, paprika garlic powder, and salt.

And then the onions are cooked in olive oil and allowed to caramelize gently until the onions are all tender and translucent. 

The best part is that you only need a couple of tablespoons to brighten any dish!

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What Is Sumac? 

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Keto sumac onion spread in a clear round bowl
Keto sumac onion spread

If you have never used sumac in your cooking and are wondering exactly what it is, sumac is a popular spice in the Middle East, that has a rich culinary background that dates beyond the Roman empire.

It’s a culinary berry turned into a coarse powder and used as a ground spice after they are allowed to fully ripen and dry.  Sumac berries are a vibrant shade of red and have a bold tart flavor.

It’s used in Middle Eastern cuisine to bring out the natural flavors in a dish. Sumac’s citrusy flavor profile imparts a level of brightness similar to lemon juice. 

In fact, sumac smells and tastes like lemon, except that sumac is not quite as sour and even has a slight sweetness to it.  

Ingredients Needed For Sumac Onion  Caramelized  Spread

keto sumac caramelized onions being added to a piece of flatbread
keto sumac caramelized onions being added to a piece of flatbread

The following are the ingredients you’ll need to make this low-carb onion spread. Note that the full printable recipe card is at the bottom of the page. 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

  • Red onions sliced thinly 
  • Olive oil
  • Ground sumac
  • Allspice
  • Ground ginger
  • Cinnamon powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Smokey paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Sea salt

How To Make A Low Carb Caramelized Sumac Onion Spread

Creating a sumac-infused onion spread is pretty straightforward. If you have ever caramelized onions before you already have the basic skills. 

You’ll start by thinly slicing the red onions and placing them in a large bowl where they will be seasoned with dry spices. Then tossed well being sure that the onions are all well coated. 

Next, in a large skillet over medium-low heat add the olive oil and spread the onions out evenly over the pan, and cook the onions stirring occasionally until the onions caramelize for about 20 minutes.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed jar for up to one week. I am telling you it basically makes itself!

keto sumac onion spread and labneh cheese on a wooden board
keto sumac onion spread and labneh keto yogurt cheese on a wooden board

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I sure hope you will make this keto-friendly sumac onion spread.  Please remember to tag us on Instagram and Facebook with your pictures if you decide to make it.

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The app is loaded with hundreds of yummy recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and even desserts!

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keto sumac caramelized onions in a clear container

Keto Sumac Caramelized Onion Spread

Yield: 15
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

This recipe for keto sumac caramelized onions makes a delicious Mediterranean spread. It's packed with tangy, sweet spices that are flat-out delicious and mouthwatering.

Ingredients

Sumac Onion Caramelize Spread

  • 4 red onions sliced thinly (about 6 cups)
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon of ground sumac
  • 1/8 of a teaspoon of allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt

Instructions

Sumac Onion Spread

  1. Slice thinly the 4 red onions and place them in a large bowl.
  2. Add the ground sumac, allspice, ground ginger, cinnamon powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt to the bowl of onions and toss until well combined.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-low heat add the olive oil and spread the onions out evenly over the pan, and cook the onions stirring occasionally until the onions caramelize for about 20-30 minutes.
  4. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed jar for up to 7 days.

Notes

The serving size is 2 tablespoons of onion spread.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 65Total Fat: 5.1gSaturated Fat: 0.7gSodium: 189mgCarbohydrates: 3.6gNet Carbohydrates: 2.6gFiber: 1gSugar: 1.2gProtein: 0.5g

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