A vibrant, close-up shot of onion peel and top chutney in a glass jar, with some onions and chilies in the background

Vegetable peel chips

Name: Onion-Peel-and-Top-Chutney
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 2 cups Onion peels; 2 cups Chopped onions; 2-3 Green chilies; 2 cups White vinegar; 1 cup Sugar

onion peel and top chutney

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

24 Apr 2025

This recipe is super exciting and super easy! I first discovered this chutney while visiting my aunt in India. She made it for my birthday, and it changed my life. No, really! It’s a surprisingly delicious and versatile condiment made using mostly onion peels – a byproduct that’s often discarded. That’s crazy, right? Most people are unaware of the treasures they throw away! It's a perfect example of how to turn something seemingly insignificant into something truly special. Trust me, this stuff is addictive. This onion peel chutney can add a wonderful zing to various dishes, from samosas and pakoras to plain rice and toast. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion!

A rustic kitchen scene showing a person making chutney in a large pan

What makes this chutney special? It's the delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. The onion peels add a unique, earthy note that elevates the overall taste. It's also quite economical, especially now that we are all trying to be mindful of food waste and the cost of everything! The process is very simple, and I have been making this chutney every week since I tried it. I bet you'll find this recipe just as easy and enjoyable to make.

Close up of the chutney with different garnishing

Required Equipments

Large saucepan
Blender or food processor
Fine-mesh sieve
Sterilized jars

Onion Peel and Top Chutney

This recipe transforms humble onion peels into a vibrant and flavorful chutney – a delightful condiment perfect for various dishes, from snacks to entrees. Get ready for a taste sensation!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 1 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

📖 Instructions

First, thoroughly wash about 1 kg of onions under cold running water. It's surprising how much dirt can hide in those layers. Remember that step!
Next, carefully peel the onions. Don't throw away the peels! Those are going to be the stars of our show, so save 'em. Reserve about 2 cups of peels. Chop the remaining onions and set them aside.
Now, get your trusty blender or food processor and blitz those onion peels until you have a fairly smooth paste. Don't over-process; a few small bits are okay. It adds character!
In a large saucepan, combine the onion peel paste, 2 cups of chopped onion, 2-3 green chilies (adjust to your spice preference!), 2 cups of white vinegar, and 1 cup of sugar. It’s going to be a flavour bomb!
Stir everything well to ensure all the ingredients are nicely combined. You really want a uniform mix at this point so give it your all.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chutney has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep a close eye on it; you dont want it to burn!
After it simmers, use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the chutney if you want a smoother consistency. I personally like a bit of texture, but hey, it's your chutney!
Finally, carefully pour the chutney into sterilized jars, leaving some headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly. Allow to cool completely before storing. Enjoy your delicious, homemade onion peel and top chutney!