Parmesan-stuffed Onions

Parmesan-Stuffed Onions Recipe from Italy | Ingredients: Onions, Breadcrumbs, Thyme, Salad Oil

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Parmesan-stuffed onions are a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for a special dinner or as a side dish. The combination of sweet onions, crunchy breadcrumbs, and salty Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

The origins of Parmesan-stuffed onions are not well-documented, but stuffed vegetables have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The idea of filling vegetables with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs likely originated as a way to use up leftovers and create a hearty and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

4 large onions, peeled
0.5 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp dried leaf thyme
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese, divided
2 tbsp salad oil

How to prepare

Place the onions in a medium saucepan, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Cover the saucepan and cook for 10 minutes. Drain the onions and let them cool.
Cut the onions in half and place them in a large shallow skillet. In a separate bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, salt, thyme, and 1 tbsp of Parmesan cheese. Spoon 1 tbsp of the mixture on top of each onion half.
Drizzle oil over the crumb mixture and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tbsp of Parmesan cheese.
Cover the bottom of the skillet with 1 inch of water. Cover the skillet and cook over medium heat for 25 minutes, occasionally spooning the pan liquid over the onions. Add additional water if the liquid evaporates.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or sausage to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Substitute different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for the Parmesan.
Mix in chopped herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions until they are tender but still hold their shape. Overcooking them can cause them to become mushy.

- Adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the skillet while cooking can add extra flavor to the dish.

- For a crispy topping, broil the onions for a few minutes after they are done cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Parmesan-stuffed onions as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak, or as a main dish with a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the onions before stuffing them helps to soften them and make them easier to work with.

- Covering the skillet while cooking helps to steam the onions and ensure they are cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.

- Substitute olive oil for salad oil for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed onions up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Parmesan-stuffed onions on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Parmesan-stuffed onions with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Parmesan-stuffed onions contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Parmesan-stuffed onions contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

Onions are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. Parmesan cheese is high in calcium and protein.

Alergens

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

Summary

Parmesan-stuffed onions are a moderate source of carbohydrates and fats, with a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Parmesan-stuffed onions are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special meal or as a side dish. With a crunchy breadcrumb topping and savory Parmesan cheese, these stuffed onions are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Parmesan-stuffed Onions. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl living in a small village in Italy. I had always loved cooking, and I was constantly on the lookout for new and interesting recipes to try out.

One day, as I was browsing through a dusty old cookbook in my grandmother's kitchen, I came across a recipe for Parmesan-stuffed Onions. The combination of sweet onions and savory cheese sounded absolutely delicious to me, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. She had learned how to make it from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn this special recipe from my grandmother, and I eagerly set out to make it myself.

The first step in making Parmesan-stuffed Onions was to carefully hollow out the onions, leaving just enough of the outer layers intact to hold the filling. This was a delicate process, as I had to be careful not to break through the onion layers and ruin the shape of the onion.

Once the onions were hollowed out, I mixed together a delicious filling of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and garlic. The mixture smelled absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

I carefully filled each onion with the Parmesan mixture, making sure to pack it in tightly so that it wouldn't fall out during cooking. I placed the stuffed onions in a baking dish and drizzled them with olive oil before popping them into the oven to bake.

As the onions baked, the smell that filled the kitchen was absolutely intoxicating. The sweet aroma of the onions mingled with the savory scent of the cheese and herbs, creating a mouthwatering combination that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

When the onions were finally done baking, I couldn't wait to dig in. I carefully removed them from the oven and placed them on a plate, the golden brown tops glistening in the soft light of the kitchen.

I took a bite of the Parmesan-stuffed Onion and was immediately transported to a place of pure culinary bliss. The sweetness of the onion paired perfectly with the rich, savory filling, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special with this recipe. The Parmesan-stuffed Onions quickly became a family favorite, and I found myself making them again and again for special occasions and family gatherings.

As the years passed, I continued to make the Parmesan-stuffed Onions, sharing the recipe with friends and loved ones who were always amazed by the delicious combination of flavors. I felt a sense of pride every time I made this dish, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations of my family.

To this day, whenever I make Parmesan-stuffed Onions, I am reminded of that first moment of excitement when I discovered the recipe in my grandmother's kitchen. The delicious flavors and rich history of this dish continue to bring me joy, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share it with others.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a truly special dish to impress your loved ones, I highly recommend giving Parmesan-stuffed Onions a try. I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed. Buon appetito!