Stuffed Onions I

Stuffed Onions I Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Saudi Arabia

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Stuffed onions are a delicious and unique dish that combines the sweetness of onions with a flavorful stuffing. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its elegant presentation and delicious taste.

History

Stuffed onions have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. They are a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine, where onions are a staple ingredient. The combination of onions and a savory stuffing creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

butter, for greasing the dish
500 ml vegetable stock
350 ml white wine
4 large onions
3 small tomatoes
120 g fresh white breadcrumbs
90 g crumbled feta
80 g finely chopped parsley leaves
3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to finish
2 crushed garlic cloves
3 thinly sliced spring onions
0.75 tsp salt
black pepper

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 180°C / gas mark 4.
Grease a small ovenproof dish with butter.
In a medium saucepan, bring the stock and white wine to a boil.
Meanwhile, prepare the onions by trimming 5 mm off the tops and bottoms. Cut them in half lengthways and remove the brown, papery skin.
Gently scoop out most of the onion insides, keeping them for another use. Retain only the two or three outermost layers.
Separate the outer layers of the onions and place a few at a time in the simmering stock.
Cook for three to four minutes, until the onions are just tender. Drain and let them cool slightly. Reserve the stock for another use.
To make the stuffing, grate the tomatoes using a coarse cheese grater. Discard the skin that remains in your hand.
In a large bowl, combine the grated tomato pulp, breadcrumbs, feta, parsley, olive oil, garlic, spring onions, salt, and pepper.
Generously fill each onion layer with the stuffing, then shape them into fat cigar shapes by pulling together the sides.
Arrange the stuffed onions, seam-side down, in the buttered oven dish. Pour about 75 ml of the reserved stock over them, enough to cover the bottom of the dish.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the onions are soft, lightly colored, and the stuffing is bubbling.
If the onions dry out completely before the end of the cooking process, add more stock.
Drizzle with a little olive oil and serve warm.

Variations

Add cooked ground meat to the stuffing for a heartier dish.
Use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or Parmesan, in place of feta.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the stuffing for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions until they are just tender before stuffing them. This will ensure that they are soft and flavorful.

- Grating the tomatoes for the stuffing adds a burst of fresh flavor to the dish.

- If the onions start to dry out during baking, simply add more stock to keep them moist.

- Serve the stuffed onions warm for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed onions can be served as a main dish with a side salad or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the onions in stock before stuffing helps to soften them and infuse them with flavor.

- Baking the stuffed onions allows the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious caramelized crust on the outside.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have feta cheese, you can use another type of crumbled cheese such as goat cheese or blue cheese.

- You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed onions up to a day in advance and bake them just before serving. Simply cover and refrigerate the unbaked dish until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stuffed onions on a platter garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Stuffed onions pair well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover stuffed onions can be stored 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 stuffed onions contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of stuffed onions contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of stuffed onions contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of stuffed onions contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Stuffed onions are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

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

Summary

Stuffed onions are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is relatively low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed onions are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night at home. With a flavorful stuffing and tender onions, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Stuffed Onions. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my family. We didn't have a lot of money, so my mother had to get creative with her cooking. One day, a neighbor came over with a basket of fresh onions and a recipe she had learned from her own grandmother. She showed my mother how to make these delicious Stuffed Onions and from that moment on, it became a family favorite.

The process of making Stuffed Onions was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The onions were hollowed out and filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. They were then baked until golden brown and served as a side dish or even a main course. The flavors were incredible - savory and rich, with just a hint of sweetness from the onions themselves.

I was fascinated by the recipe and begged my mother to let me help her make it. She agreed, and together we spent hours in the kitchen, carefully preparing the onions and stuffing them to perfection. As they baked in the oven, the aroma filled the house and my mouth watered in anticipation.

When the Stuffed Onions were finally ready, we sat down to eat as a family. The first bite was a revelation - the flavors exploded in my mouth, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our home. Over the years, I watched my mother make these Stuffed Onions countless times, and eventually, I learned to make them myself.

As I grew older and had a family of my own, I continued to make Stuffed Onions for them. They became a favorite among my children, who would always eagerly await the day when I would make them for dinner. I passed the recipe down to my own daughters, just as my mother had passed it down to me. And now, it is a cherished tradition in our family - a reminder of the love and care that goes into every meal we share together.

The recipe for Stuffed Onions has become more than just a dish to me. It is a connection to my past, to my mother and grandmother, and to the simple pleasures of home cooking. Whenever I make them, I am transported back to that day when I first saw the recipe and felt that sense of amazement. And I am grateful for the gift of good food and family that has been passed down through generations.

So, the next time you find yourself with a basket of fresh onions and a craving for something delicious, give this recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it down to your own children, creating a new tradition for your family to enjoy for years to come.