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Greek Stuffed Onions Recipe

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4.8 from 69 reviews

Greek Stuffed Onions are a delicious and aromatic dish featuring tender onion layers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, fresh herbs, and warm spices, all baked in a rich tomato and garlic sauce. This classic Greek recipe offers a comforting blend of flavors perfect for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Stuffed Onions

  • 6 large yellow or sweet onions, peeled
  • Salt, for seasoning water and taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup long-grain rice, rinsed and soaked for 10 minutes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Black pepper, to taste

Tomato Garlic Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Onions: Peel 6 large onions, slice off the top and root ends, then make an incision down one side of each. Blanch them in boiling salted water for 15-20 minutes until softened. Cool the onions in ice water, then carefully separate the layers. Finely chop the smaller inner layers and set them aside for the filling.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped small onion until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
  3. Prepare Filling: To the skillet with beef, add the soaked and rinsed long-grain rice, chopped inner onion layers, fresh parsley, fresh mint, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Stuff the Onion Layers: Gently open each separated onion layer and spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the prepared filling into the center. Fold the sides over the filling to create a compact parcel. Arrange the stuffed onions seam-side down in a large oven-safe baking dish, packing them snugly together.
  5. Make Tomato Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper. Pour the sauce evenly over and around the stuffed onions in the baking dish.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes until the tops of the onions are lightly golden and the sauce has thickened.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Serve the Greek stuffed onions warm, with optional fresh lemon juice, Greek yogurt, or crumbled feta cheese on top for added flavor.

Notes

  • Soaking the rice before adding it to the filling helps it cook evenly within the onions.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
  • Make sure to pack the stuffed onions snugly in the baking dish to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.
  • The resting time after baking helps the flavors meld and makes the onions easier to serve.
  • Serve with a side of Greek salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Find it online: https://mealsbykate.com/greek-stuffed-onions-recipe/