Sfaxian charmoula (sweet-and-sour onion and raisin relish)

Method

1. 1

   Slice the onions very thinly and evenly, then soak them in salted water for a while to soften their sharpness.

2. 2

   Drain the onions well and fry them in the olive oil over low heat until soft and just starting to turn golden.

3. 3

   Add the raisins, vinegar, sugar and hot red chilli, and stir well until you reach the sweet-and-sour balance typical of this sauce.

4. 4

   Simmer gently until the mixture thickens slightly and the onions have absorbed all the flavours, then leave to cool.

5. 5

   Serve the Sfaxian charmoula cold alongside salted dried fish (fessikh), a centrepiece of the Eid al-Fitr table in Sfax; this sweet-and-sour dish is one of the oldest festive traditions of the people of Sfax.