Ingredients

  • 10 ounces small wild onions, trimmed, or pearl onions, blanched, peeled and trimmed
  • 1/2 cup white wine or Champagne vinegar
  • 1/2 cup local honey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 5 whole black peppercorns
  • Fine sea salt
  • 6 wild rosemary sprigs
  • 1 cup canola oil

Method

  • Pack the onions into a heatproof glass jar.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, honey, water, lemon juice, peppercorns, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 rosemary sprig and bring to a boil.
  • Pour the hot liquid over the onions and place a small plate on top to keep them submerged.
  • Let cool completely.
  • Serve right away at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • Just before serving the onions, snip the remaining 5 rosemary sprigs into 2-inch lengths.
  • Heat the oil in a small skillet until shimmering.
  • Add the rosemary and fry over moderately high heat for about 30 seconds, until crisp and just beginning to brown around the edges.
  • Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
  • Serve with the onions.