BHA & BHT Free Apple & Onion Compote
Sweet, savory, and deeply comforting, this apple and onion compote is the kind of condiment that quietly steals the show at the table. Slowly cooked onions develop golden, jammy edges before the apples join in, and a splash of apple cider vinegar and a drizzle of pure maple syrup pull the whole thing into perfect balance. Fresh thyme sprigs add an herby, aromatic note that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible while it simmers. Every single ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, which matters a lot when you're avoiding synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT — no packaged shortcuts, no hidden additives, just real food doing its thing. It's thick enough to mound on a spoon and versatile enough to serve alongside roasted pork, grilled chicken, a cheese board, or even a simple bowl of grains. The technique is low and slow, so the payoff is a silky, deeply flavored compote that tastes far more impressive than the short ingredient list suggests.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 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.
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