Description
Get ready to impress with these stuffed Mediterranean onions—a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. This easy dinner idea features tender baked onions filled with a savory mixture of meat, rice, herbs, and spices. It’s a wholesome, flavorful dish that works beautifully as a healthy dinner, cozy family meal, or even a unique addition to your list of dinner ideas. Simple ingredients come together to create a rich and satisfying experience that feels both rustic and refined.
Ingredients
6 large onions
300g ground beef or lamb
1/2 cup uncooked rice
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill or mint chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup breadcrumbs optional
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
1. Peel the onions cut the tops and carefully hollow out the centers keeping 2 to 3 outer layers intact reserve the inner parts
2. Blanch the onions in boiling water for 5 minutes until slightly softened then drain and set aside
3. Finely chop the reserved onion centers heat olive oil in a pan and sauté until translucent
4. Add garlic and cook briefly then add ground meat and cook until browned
5. Stir in tomato paste paprika cumin salt and pepper cook for 2 minutes to develop flavor
6. Add the uncooked rice and mix well to coat with the seasoned mixture
7. Remove from heat and stir in parsley dill or mint lemon juice and a splash of broth
8. Let the filling cool slightly then gently stuff each onion without overpacking
9. Arrange onions in a baking dish add remaining broth to the bottom and drizzle with olive oil
10. Cover with foil and bake at 180°C 350°F for 45 minutes
11. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until golden and tender
12. Let rest for a few minutes before serving and garnish with fresh herbs
Notes
Use onions of similar size for even cooking and better presentation
Do not overfill the onions as the rice expands during cooking
Always add enough liquid to the baking dish to keep the onions moist and tender
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: stuffed onions, Mediterranean dinner, easy dinner ideas, healthy dinner, baked onions, food ideas