A hundred years ago there was a limited selection of fruits and vegetables during the winter months. Onions and apples are two foods that store well, and were frequently eaten during the winter – though I had never thought of them as being foods that would be combined in one recipe until I saw a recipe for Fried Onions with Apples in a hundred-year-old cookbook. I couldn’t picture what this recipe would taste like, so decided to give it a try.
The sweet tartness of the apples combined beautifully with the sharpness of the onions to make a tasty side dish. I served the Fried Onions with Apples with roast beef and it nicely complemented the meat.
Here’s the original recipe:
Here’s the recipe updated for modern cooks:
Fried Onions with Apples
4 medium onions, sliced
3 large tart apples, peeled and sliced (I used Braeburn apples.)
2 tablespoons bacon fat or other fat (The old recipe called for meat drippings.)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup water
Heat fat in a skillet, then add the onion slices. Saute using medium heat until the onions begin to turn transparent, then add the apples, salt and water. Cover and cook until the apples are soft (10 – 15 minutes). Remove lid, increase heat to medium high, and fry until the water has evaporated and the onions and apples are a light brown; stir frequently.
A Hundred Years Ago 
A combination of apples and onions is the first step of my butternut squash soup. I cook them together until the flavors have melded, then add the squash and spices. Then, I puree all that and freeze it as a base for the soup — I add the milk and cream after I thaw a container of the base. The apple/onion combo really provides a nice flavor.
mmm. . . your butternut squash sounds lovely.
I had never thought of those two together either! Sounds interesting!
It’s a surprisingly nice combination.
That sounds very interesting.
I enjoyed this recipe.
A maybe try, upped a tad on your recommendation.
It was a nice recipe.
I would not think of combining those two, but it sounds like it would be good on roast beef.
I thought that it worked well with the meat.
Sounds wonderful. Must try.
I think that you’ll enjoy it.
I have a vague memory of having eaten that combination. Thanks for jogging my memory.
It’s nice to hear that this recipe brought back some old food memories.
This looks wonderful! My mom made something like it, and I’ve combined apples and onions a lot, in an apple, onion, and cheddar tart, as an appetizer on toasts, etc. They are a delicious combination, especially if you add a creamy, salty cheese!
The apple and onion recipes you make sound lovely.
VERY interesting!!! I never would have thought of these two going together either. But after seeing this, I’d like to try it.
I was pleased with how the recipe turned out.
I would have never paired them but now I’m curious!
It was a nice recipe.
Knowing you have PA roots (as I do) I am surprised you haven’t had pork with apples and onions, very PA German. I love the combo but I admit I cannot imagine it with roast beef!
Somehow I totally missed ever having pork with apples and onions. I may have to make this recipe again with the “right” meat.