serves 4

ingredients

350g/12oz baby onions

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 fresh bay leaves, torn into strips

thinly pared zest of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon Demerara sugar

1 tablespoon clear honey

4 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• Soak the onions in a bowl of boiling water for 15 minutes. Using a sharp knife, peel and halve the onions.

• Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bay leaves to the pan, and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown all over.

• Slice the lemon zest into thin matchsticks. Add to the frying pan with the sugar and honey. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly caramelized.

• Add the vinegar to the frying pan. Continue to cook for 5 minutes or so, stirring, until the onions are tender. Transfer to a dish, and serve immediately.