Feta-stuffed Onions

Feta-stuffed Onions Recipe - A Delicious Greek Dish

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Feta-stuffed onions are a delicious and savory dish that combines the sweetness of onions with the tanginess of feta cheese. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or as a unique side dish for a dinner party.

History

The origins of feta-stuffed onions are not clear, but it is believed to have Mediterranean roots. Feta cheese is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, and when combined with onions, it creates a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

2 large sweet or spanish onions (about 1.5 lb or 680 g total, peeled)
2 tsp olive oil
1 clove garlic
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
0.25 tsp freshly ground pepper
0.25 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup chopped, reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes
2 tbsp minced parsley
0.25 cup (1 oz or 28 g) crumbled feta cheese

How to prepare

Place the onions in a large saucepan and cover them with water.
Bring the water to a boil and cook the onions until they are partially tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Drain and allow the onions to cool; then cut them in half crosswise.
Scoop out the center of each onion half, leaving a 0.5 inch shell. Keep the centers aside.
If necessary, trim a small piece from the end of each onion shell so that they can stand upright.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Chop the reserved centers of the onions.
In a medium saucepan, sauté the chopped onion centers with garlic in oil until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
Stir in lemon juice and pepper.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in bread crumbs, tomatoes, parsley, and cheese.
Fill the onion shells with the mixture.
Place the filled onion shells on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
Cover the shells with foil and bake them for about 25 minutes.
Serve the dish hot.

Variations

Add chopped olives or roasted red peppers to the filling for extra flavor.
Substitute goat cheese for feta cheese for a different taste.
Top the stuffed onions with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to partially cook the onions before stuffing them to ensure they are tender.

- Be careful when scooping out the center of the onions to avoid breaking the shell.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more or less garlic, lemon juice, or pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Feta-stuffed onions can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. They also make a great appetizer for a dinner party.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the onions before stuffing helps to soften them and make them easier to hollow out.

- Sautéing the onion centers with garlic adds depth of flavor to the filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use shallots or red onions instead of sweet or Spanish onions.

- Substitute panko breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the feta-stuffed onions up to a day in advance and bake them just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the feta-stuffed onions on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Feta-stuffed onions pair well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover feta-stuffed onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of feta-stuffed onions contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of feta-stuffed onions contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of feta-stuffed onions contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of feta-stuffed onions contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Feta-stuffed onions are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (breadcrumbs).

Summary

Feta-stuffed onions are a nutritious and flavorful dish that is relatively low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Feta-stuffed onions are a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. With a combination of sweet onions, tangy feta cheese, and savory breadcrumbs, this recipe is a delicious addition to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Greece. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma of herbs and spices.

Maria was bustling around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and preparing a delicious meal for us to enjoy. She had a twinkle in her eye as she told me that she was going to teach me how to make her famous feta-stuffed onions.

I watched in awe as she expertly hollowed out the onions and mixed together a flavorful filling of feta cheese, fresh herbs, and breadcrumbs. The smell wafting from the oven as the stuffed onions baked was intoxicating.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the feta-stuffed onions and was immediately transported to a place of pure culinary bliss. The creamy feta cheese paired perfectly with the sweet, caramelized onions, creating a flavor combination that was out of this world.

I begged Maria for the recipe, and she smiled knowingly before handing me a tattered piece of paper filled with scribbled notes and measurements. She told me that this recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, and that she was honored to share it with me.

I returned home with the recipe clutched tightly in my hand, eager to recreate the magic of those feta-stuffed onions in my own kitchen. As I prepared the dish for my family, I couldn't help but think about the rich history and tradition that was woven into each and every bite.

Over the years, I have made the feta-stuffed onions countless times, each time eliciting the same sense of joy and nostalgia that I felt on that first day in Maria's kitchen. The recipe has become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the bond that food can create between friends and family.

I have shared the recipe with countless friends and loved ones, each time passing on a piece of the story that surrounds it. I have taught my grandchildren how to make the feta-stuffed onions, hoping that they will carry on the tradition and share it with future generations.

As I sit here, surrounded by the comforting smells of onions roasting and feta cheese melting, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures that food can bring. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of good food and good company.