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Greek Stuffed Onions

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Greek stuffed onions are tender, baked onions filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and optional ground meat. This comforting Mediterranean dish is both rustic and elegant, with bold, aromatic spices and a savory tomato base.

Ingredients

  • 4–6 large yellow or sweet onions
  • 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb (optional for vegetarian version)
  • 1/2 cup long grain rice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups water or broth (plus more as needed)
  • Feta cheese, crumbled (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Peel onions and trim tops and bottoms. Boil for 10 minutes until slightly softened. Cool, then carefully separate layers to form shells. Chop inner layers and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion centers and garlic until soft.
  4. Add ground meat (if using), tomato paste, rice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat is browned and rice is slightly toasted.
  5. Stir in herbs and 1/2 cup broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to partially cook the rice.
  6. Spoon the filling into onion shells and place in a baking dish.
  7. Pour remaining broth and a bit of tomato sauce into the bottom of the dish. Cover with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes.
  8. Uncover for the last 10 minutes to allow the tops to brown slightly.
  9. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh herbs or feta before serving.

Notes

  • Use veggie broth and skip meat and cheese for a vegan version.
  • Add pine nuts or currants to the filling for traditional Greek flair.
  • Substitute quinoa for rice for a different texture.
  • Top with grated kefalotyri or Parmesan instead of feta.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate stuffed onions until ready to bake.

Nutrition

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