Smoky Onion Marmalade

This Smoky Onion Marmalade is THE perfect condiment: it combines salty, savory, sweet, and smoky, you can make it easily at home, and it can go on just about anything! It's almost got a bacon jam flavor to it, but with lots of delicious, sweet onions instead of fatty, greasy bacon! My favorite way to use this marmalade is on veggie burgers, but I'm sure you can find lots of tasty and creative uses for it! Smoky Onion Marmalade (makes approx. 1 qt)
5 large yellow onions, sliced in half moon shapes
2 Tbs canola oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbs liquid smoke
1/4 cup soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos
1 cup real maple syrup
2 cups brown sugar
2 tsp sea salt
1 Tbs cumin
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
4 Tbs arrowroot or tapioca starch
4 cups + 1 cup water

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 Tbs of the oil over medium heat. Saute half of the onions until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Set aside and repeat with the other half of the oil and onions--this is done in two batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which would just steam the onions and would prevent caramelization.
In a large stock pot, whisk together the 4 cups of water, maple syrup and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the other 1 cup of water, soy sauce, liquid smoke, and the arrowroot or tapioca starch. Add to the pot, whisking vigorously until the mixture begins to thicken and darken, showing that the starch is cooked.
Add in the caramelized onions, garlic, and spices. Let simmer for 15 minutes, uncovered. Remove from heat and bring to room temperature.
You can now transfer this to an airtight container and refrigerate if going to use soon, or canned in glass jars if to be used later.