Sri Lankan Seeni Sambol (Spicy Caramelized Onion Chutney)

Ingredients

1 lb red onion, thinly sliced 
1 small cinnamon stick 
4 green cardamom pods
1 tablespoon sugar 
2 tablespoon oil 
2 tablespoons tamarind juice or 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
5 curry leaves
A drop of vanilla extract or a 2-inch pandan leaf 
1 tablespoon of spicy red chili pepper flakes 
Salt to taste 
Directions: 

1. Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.  
2. Combine red chili pepper flakes, curry leaves, cinnamon stick, and cardamoms in the pan. Cook the ingredients for about one minute. 
3. Season onions with salt and mix well. 
4. Add the onions to the pan, gently stir to combine the ingredients, and cook for 4 minutes uncovered. 
5. Increase the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the onions from sticking to the pan. 
6. After 9-11 minutes, the onions should begin to brown. Once they have browned, add the sugar, vanilla, and tamarind.  
7. Stir well to combine all the seasoning, and continue to cook on medium-high uncovered for another 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust your seasoning.  Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.
8. Once done, remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool. 
9. Serve immediately with your favorite meal. Once cool, you can store and refrigerate the leftovers in a glass jar. 
   

This sweet and spicy onion chutney adds flavor to any meal or is great on toast.