Nitrate & Nitrite Free Apple & Onion Compote
Sweet, jammy, and deeply savory all at once, 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 in a glossy, thyme-scented sauce that's balanced with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Every single ingredient here is clean and whole — no cured meats, no processed pantry shortcuts, nothing that sneaks in unwanted preservatives. That matters more than people realize, because nitrates and nitrites have a way of hiding in condiments, sauces, and packaged flavor boosters that seem totally innocent. This recipe sidesteps all of that by building its deep, complex flavor the old-fashioned way: low heat, patience, and good produce. The result is thick enough to mound on a spoon and versatile enough to spoon over roasted pork, stir into grain bowls, or pile onto a cheese board. It's the kind of simple, honest cooking that proves you don't need anything artificial to get serious flavor.
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!