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Stuffed Onions

Savory Stuffed Onions: A Flavorful Mediterranean Journey

A flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring stuffed onions filled with seasoned meats, spices, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 onions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Substitute with canola oil if needed.
  • 4 large Yellow Onions Bigger ones are ideal for stuffing.
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Swap for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
  • 0.5 pound Ground Italian Sausage Feel free to use any sausage you enjoy!
  • 1 cup Jasmine Rice White rice or quinoa are great alternatives.
  • 1 can Finely Chopped Tomatoes Contributes acidity and moisture.
  • 1 medium Shallot Substitute onion if shallots aren’t available.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Aromatic powerhouse that elevates flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to your liking.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to your liking.
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Fennel Seeds Can be omitted if you prefer a simpler taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Fresh herbs can be used too with less quantity.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Fresh herbs can be used too with less quantity.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onion can be used instead if desired.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Introduce a touch of heat; modify according to your spice preference.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme Brighten the dish and add freshness.
  • 2 tablespoons Italian Parsley Brighten the dish and add freshness.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Strained Tomatoes (Passata) Forms the rich base of the sauce.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Adds moisture and flavor.
  • 1 cup Additional Chicken Broth Ensures enough liquid and flavor.
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Glaze A drizzling of these finishes the dish beautifully.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil A drizzling of these finishes the dish beautifully.

Equipment

  • baking dish
  • large pot
  • Frying pan
  • colander
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Stuffed Onions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Gather your baking dish and prepare your workspace.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Trim the tops and bottoms of the large yellow onions making four evenly spaced incisions along the sides.
  3. Drop the prepared onions into the boiling water and simmer for about 10–15 minutes until tender.
  4. Transfer the onions to a colander and let them cool for a few minutes.
  5. In a large frying pan over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté minced garlic and finely chopped shallots for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Incorporate the lean ground beef and ground Italian sausage into the pan and cook for 7–10 minutes until browned.
  7. Once browned, add salt, black pepper, crushed fennel seeds, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  8. Incorporate jasmine rice, finely chopped tomatoes, and chicken broth into the pan and cook for 10 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  9. Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in fresh parsley and thyme into the filling.
  10. In a separate bowl, combine strained tomatoes, additional chicken broth, salt, and pepper to create your sauce.
  11. Place a layer of sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Scoop out the cooled onions and fill each layer with the meat mixture.
  12. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes until golden.
  13. Let the stuffed onions rest for about 10 minutes, then drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1onionCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 22gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Stuffed onions are customizable; you can swap ingredients based on your preferences. These are sure to delight your family and friends with their rich flavors and delightful textures!

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