The $3 Aldi Condiment You Should Be Adding To Pasta Sauce For A Robust Burst Of Flavor

Fans ride or die for Aldi hidden gems, whether they're keeping up with long-winded Reddit threads or searching the aisles for new finds on a weekly basis. One such item that's a fan favorite is the Carmelized Red Onion Chutney. There are plenty of Aldi items first-time shoppers shouldn't skip, and this unique condiment is one of them. It can be more than a topping; adding it to pasta sauce can bring a burst of unique flavor, achieving more than sprinkling a couple jarred spices off the rack could. 

The red onion chutney is definitely atypical; yellow onions are typically the type that are carmelized, so using red onions instead creates a less sweet but more robust taste that can add so much complexity to pasta sauce. The chutney also has balsamic vinegar and sugar in it, giving it a sweet and tangy depth. It is chunky and sticky, similar to a jam, so adding it to pasta sauce enhances texture as well. The onions throughout will make your sauce more full-bodied and robust.

This tangy, umami condiment works best with red pasta sauces — the tomato base can be sweet, so the sauce becomes balanced with this inexpensive addition. Adding the chutney to a white sauce like Alfredo or béchamel wouldn't be ideal. The chutney works well with different cheeses, like baked brie or white cheddar, but adding it directly to a cheesy pasta might cause more confusion than fusion, lacing the smooth sauce with a clashing jamminess and giving it a vinegary undertone. 

The Carmelized Red Onion Chutney can be hard to find, so make sure to stock up if you see it on shelves at your local Aldi. Once you do, there are so many ways to use up that jar beyond just pasta sauce. The most popular usage, and recommended right on the jar, is adding it to a homemade charcuterie board that doesn't break the bank. The rich flavors pair best with creamy, light cheeses and fatty meats like soppressata and prosciutto. Another common usage is adding a dollop of the chutney inside a perfect homemade diner-style grilled cheese. The acidity cuts through the heaviness of the sandwich well.

More unconventional uses have been discovered by Aldi fans on Reddit, like using the chutney as a glaze for meatballs, adding it into homemade chicken salad, or even topping a bratwurst with it. One Reddit user shared the bratwurst idea in a thread, saying, "On a brat with Dijon mustard! It is THE best!" Juxtaposing spicy mustard with sweet, vinegary chutney on a bratwurst may seem unconventional, but don't knock it until you try it. Aldi's Carmelized Red Onion Chutney is surprisingly versatile, and with such a standout flavor profile, it's not a surprise that it flies off the shelves as soon as it's available.