Greek Stuffed Onions
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
Delight your taste buds with these flavorful Greek Stuffed Onions, filled with a savory blend of herbs, spices, and rice.
Greek Stuffed Onions are a traditional dish that combines the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. The sweetness of the onions pairs beautifully with the savory rice filling, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Savory and aromatic filling with a hint of mint
- Sweet caramelized onions bursting with flavor
- A unique twist on traditional stuffed vegetables
The Essence of Greek Cuisine
Greek cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, and this recipe for Greek Stuffed Onions embodies that essence perfectly. The use of herbs like parsley and mint brings a refreshing quality to the dish, while the slow-cooked onions enhance the overall sweetness and depth. Each bite is a harmonious blend of tastes that transports you straight to the Mediterranean.
In Greece, stuffed vegetables are a staple, often filled with a variety of ingredients. This recipe takes a classic approach and adds a unique twist by using onions as the vessel for the filling. The caramelization that occurs during baking not only intensifies the flavor but also adds a delightful texture that contrasts with the tender rice mixture inside.
Perfect Pairings
Greek Stuffed Onions make for a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. Consider serving them alongside a fresh Greek salad, complete with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, for a refreshing contrast. The acidity of the salad complements the rich flavors of the stuffed onions, creating a balanced meal.
For those looking to enhance their dining experience further, a dollop of tzatziki sauce can add a cool, creamy element that works wonders with the warm, savory stuffed onions. The cucumber and yogurt base of tzatziki is a classic Greek accompaniment that enhances the dish's Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Onions
- 4 large onions
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
Make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Instructions
Prepare the Onions
Peel the onions and carefully hollow them out, reserving the inner layers for the filling.
Cook the Rice
In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until cooked.
Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix the cooked rice with chopped onion, parsley, mint, oregano, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Stuff the Onions
Fill each hollow onion with the rice mixture and place them in a baking dish.
Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
Let the onions cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
When preparing the onions, be careful not to cut too deeply while hollowing them out. You want to maintain the integrity of the onion layers to hold the filling. A sharp knife can make this task easier and prevent accidental tearing.
If you're short on time, consider using pre-cooked rice or a rice cooker to speed up the cooking process. Additionally, feel free to customize the filling by adding ingredients such as chopped bell peppers, olives, or even crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Greek Stuffed Onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their flavor and texture, reheat them in the oven at a low temperature rather than using a microwave, which can make them mushy.
For longer storage, consider freezing the stuffed onions before baking. Place them in a freezer-safe container, and when you're ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. This allows you to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort on busy days.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can substitute with quinoa or any other grain of your choice.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze stuffed onions?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to eat.
→ What can I serve with Greek Stuffed Onions?
They pair well with a fresh Greek salad or tzatziki sauce.
Greek Stuffed Onions
Delight your taste buds with these flavorful Greek Stuffed Onions, filled with a savory blend of herbs, spices, and rice.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Stuffed Onions
- 4 large onions
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
How-To Steps
Peel the onions and carefully hollow them out, reserving the inner layers for the filling.
In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until cooked.
In a bowl, mix the cooked rice with chopped onion, parsley, mint, oregano, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Fill each hollow onion with the rice mixture and place them in a baking dish.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 5g