Published January 22, 2024. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This tasty Sumac onion recipe of thinly sliced onions with parsley and sumac that are coated in freshly squeezed lemon juice is an amazing accompaniment to any meal. You will love how easy this is to prepare and how much flavor it brings to main Middle Eastern entrees.
If you’re unfamiliar with these onions and not sure what to use them in, try serving with my Kofta, or Chicken Shawarma. Likewise, you can also serve them as a garnish on Hummus.
Sumac Onions
Sumac onions, also known as Turkish onions, are thinly sliced onions that are mixed with sumac and parsley and then pickled in lemon juice with a hint of oil. It is an extremely easy dish to make and is commonly used to accompany main protein dishes.
Sumac is made by grinding down the dried berries of a sumac plant. They have a slightly tart, acidic, slightly citrus flavor to them. This is a popular spice used in many Middle Eastern dishes. Hence, It elevates the onions with wonderful flavors, thus making it a popular side dish and topping many dishes.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Onion – Red, white, or sweet onion can be used. This is an optional ingredient.
- Sumac – Dry sumac is what’s needed for this. It can be picked up at most Middle Eastern grocery stores or on Amazon.
- Parsley – Fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley or curly parsley can be used.
- Lemon – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the main acid used to flavor the salad.
- Oil – Olive or avocado oil will work well for this Israeli salad.
How to Make Sumac Onions
Add the onions, sumac, and parsley to a medium-sized bowl.
Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice.
Drizzle the olive oil all around the onions and outsize bowl.
Season with salt, and fold the ingredients together with a large spoon until the onions are coated.
Store or use with your recipes.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: You can make these sumac onions 1 day before for freshness.
How to Store: If you can keep the oil, salt, and lemon juice separate from the onions, they can last covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Chef Notes + Tips
- If you want to round out the seasonings with a small amount of heat, feel free to season with ground white pepper.
- These are a great accompaniment and can be directly swapped out with pickled onions to help add flavor to dishes.
More Accompaniment Recipes
Sumac Onions Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 peeled thinly sliced white onion
- juice of 1 lemon, about 3 to 4 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons sumac
- 3 tablespoons finely minced parsley
- coarse salt to taste
Instructions
- Add the onions, sumac, and parsley to a medium-sized bowl.
- Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice.
- Drizzle the olive oil all around the onions and outsize bowl.
- Season with salt, and using a large spoon, fold the ingredients together until the onions are coated.
- Store or use with your recipes.
Sumac Onions Recipe