Looking for a delicious and hearty dish to impress your guests or enjoy with your family? Look no further than Stuffed Onions, also known as Onion Dolma! This recipe is not only flavorful and satisfying but also surprisingly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Great flavors: The combination of lean ground beef, Italian sausage, and fragrant herbs and spices creates a mouthwatering dish that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Quick prep time: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe comes together relatively quickly, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for meal prep: Stuffed Onions can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and depth to the dish.
- Large yellow onions: The star of the show, these onions will be filled with a flavorful meat and rice mixture.
- Lean ground beef and ground Italian sausage: Provide a hearty and savory filling.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the dish.
- Jasmine rice: Adds a nice texture and helps bind the filling together.
- Can of finely chopped tomatoes: Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the filling.
- Shallot and garlic cloves: Enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Various herbs and spices: Including salt, black pepper, fennel seeds, basil, oregano, onion powder, red pepper flakes, thyme, and parsley, add complexity and depth to the dish.
- Sauce: Made with strained tomatoes and chicken broth, this sauce adds a delicious finishing touch.
- Garnish: Balsamic glaze, olive oil, and fresh parsley add a touch of freshness and brightness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut off the tops of the onions and carefully remove the insides to create a hollow space for the filling.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned.
- Add the chopped shallot and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, chopped tomatoes, and seasonings, cooking for a few more minutes.
- Fill the hollowed-out onions with the meat and rice mixture, packing it tightly.
- Pour the sauce over the stuffed onions, cover with foil, and bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Remove the foil, baste the onions with the sauce, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the onions are tender.
- Serve the stuffed onions garnished with balsamic glaze, olive oil, and fresh parsley.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a melon baller or small spoon to hollow out the onions more easily.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as different herbs or spices.
- If you have leftover filling, it can be used to stuff peppers or tomatoes for another delicious meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for cooked lentils or mushrooms for a flavorful alternative.
- Experiment with different types of rice, such as brown or wild rice, for a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Stuffed Onions pair well with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of red wine or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, allow the stuffed onions to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed onions up to a day in advance and bake them when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed onions?
A: Yes, stuffed onions can be frozen before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Q: Can I use a different type of onion for this recipe?
A: While yellow onions work best for this recipe, you can also use Vidalia or white onions for a slightly different flavor profile.
Conclusion:
Stuffed Onions, or Onion Dolma, is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors and comforting textures in a unique and impressive way. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy!
Stuffed Onions (Onion Dolma)
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mixed
Description
These stuffed onions, also known as Onion Dolma, are filled with a delicious mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, jasmine rice, and aromatic herbs. They are baked in a flavorful tomato and chicken broth sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 6 large yellow onions, skins removed
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup jasmine rice, rinsed, uncooked
- 1 can finely chopped tomatoes, 398mL
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed to release the flavour
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
Sauce:
-
- 1 cup strained tomatoes, passata/smooth
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp salt, if required
Garnish:
-
- balsamic glaze
- drizzle of olive oil
- fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Onions: Preheat the oven, cut the tops off the onions, scoop out the centers, and chop the scooped-out onion flesh.
- Prepare the Filling: Cook the beef, sausage, chopped onions, shallot, and garlic. Add rice, tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Mix well.
- Stuff the Onions: Fill the hollowed onions with the meat mixture.
- Make the Sauce: Mix strained tomatoes and chicken broth. Pour over stuffed onions.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake until the onions are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze, olive oil, and parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding different herbs or vegetables.
- Make sure the onions are large enough to hold a generous amount of filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed onion
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg