Artificial Food Coloring Free Apple & Onion Compote

Total time35 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time25 min

Artificial Food Coloring Free Apple & Onion Compote

Sweet, savory, and deeply aromatic, this apple and onion compote is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more interesting. Slow-cooked butter-softened onions meet tender chunks of apple, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup — all brightened with fresh thyme for an herby, autumnal depth. Every single ingredient here is whole and recognizable, which means you can skip the label-squinting that comes with store-bought chutneys and flavored sauces that often sneak in synthetic dyes or artificial colorings. The natural caramelization from the onions and the gentle breakdown of the apples create a rich, jammy texture that looks and tastes like it took far more effort than it did. It's equally at home spooned over roasted pork, stirred into a grain bowl, or piled onto a sharp cheddar cheese board. The finish — uncovered on the stove until thick enough to mound on a spoon — gives it that glossy, slow-cooked look without a single artificial shortcut.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

6 servings

1 tbsp unsalted butter
Land O Lakes Whipped Butter Salted - 8 Oz Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter Sticks Kerrygold Butter Pure Irish Unsalted - 8 Oz Kerrygold Pure Irish Unsalted Butter Vital Farms Pasture Raised Sea Salted Alfresco Butter - 8 Oz
See all
1 medium yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
¼ tsp fine sea salt
3 medium apples (about 1 ¼ lb), peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch pieces
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tbsp water

Instructions

1
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until foamy. Add the onion and salt, stirring to coat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent with golden edges, about 10–12 minutes.
2
Add the apple pieces, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, thyme sprigs, and water. Stir to combine, then cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring every few minutes, until the apples are completely tender and beginning to break down, about 12–15 minutes.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!