Citric Acid Free Apple & Onion Compote
Sweet, savory, and deeply comforting, this apple and onion compote is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more interesting. Slowly cooked onions build a jammy, golden base, while tender apple pieces melt into the mix for a balance of earthy and fruity that feels genuinely special. A splash of apple cider vinegar and a drizzle of maple syrup do the heavy lifting in the flavor department — no citrus juice, no citric acid preservatives, just clean, straightforward ingredients that work beautifully together. For anyone navigating a citric acid sensitivity, store-bought chutneys and fruit spreads are often a minefield of hidden additives, so having a reliable homemade version like this is genuinely useful. Fresh thyme sprigs steep right into the compote as it cooks, adding a subtle herbal note that keeps the whole thing from tipping too sweet. It thickens up into a glossy, spoonable consistency that's equally at home alongside roasted pork, stirred into oatmeal, or spread over a thick slice of toast.
About FigFig 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
- 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!