Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi)

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, Greek cuisine often leads the way with its rich flavors and heartwarming dishes. One of my family’s all-time favorites is Greek Stuffed Onions, known as Salantourmasi. Each time I make this dish, it evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting us back to the warm gatherings around our dining table, filled with laughter and conversation. The combination of tender onions, savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a tangy tomato sauce creates an unforgettable meal that always leaves everyone asking for seconds. My kids love the playful nature of stuffing the onion layers, making it a fun and interactive family activity.

Ingredients

For the Onions:

• 8 medium yellow onions (preferably oval in shape)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Stuffing:

• ¾ cup short-grain or arborio rice, soaked
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tomato, grated
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ⅓ cup fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp chicken stock paste
• ½ tbsp dried oregano

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (398 ml) roma or whole tomatoes, blended
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish (or two 9-inch baking dishes) to hold the stuffed onions.

Soak the Rice:

While preparing the other ingredients, soak the rice in water.

Prepare and Boil the Onions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Trim the tops and bottoms of the onions and remove the skins, discarding the tough outer 1-2 layers.
3. Using a small knife, make a lengthwise slit through each onion, cutting only to the middle.
4. Add the onions to the boiling water and cook until softened, about 10-15 minutes, until the layers separate easily. Remove from water and set aside to cool.

Prepare Tomato Sauce:

1. Blend the canned tomatoes in a blender until smooth.
2. In a bowl, mix the blended tomatoes with water, tomato paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Make the Stuffing:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbled.
4. Stir in the grated tomato, tomato paste, lemon juice, fresh parsley, mint, salt, pepper, chicken stock paste, and oregano. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, then stir in the soaked and drained rice. Mix well and set aside.

Assemble the Stuffed Onions:

1. Carefully separate the layers of each onion to form individual “cups.”
2. Stuff each onion layer with a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture, rolling or folding over to seal.
3. Place the stuffed onions seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Add Sauce and Bake:

1. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the stuffed onions, covering them generously.
2. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the onions are tender.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the stuffed onions with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Greek classic!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 366 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours

How to Serve

• Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
• Pair with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Accompany with a simple Greek salad for a balanced meal.

Additional Tips

1. Onion Choice: Choose onions that are firm and preferably oval in shape for easier stuffing.
2. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like dill or thyme for varied flavors.
3. Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a vegetarian option for a lighter dish.
4. Rice Type: While short-grain rice is traditional, you can use any rice variety that you prefer.
5. Sauce Consistency: If you like a thicker sauce, simmer it on the stove for a few extra minutes before pouring it over the stuffed onions.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or mushrooms in place of ground beef for a vegetarian twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicier version.
• Cheesy Delight: Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of tzatziki for a refreshing complement.
• Pair with roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
• Enjoy with a glass of white wine, like a crisp Assyrtiko, to enhance the flavors.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These stuffed onions can be frozen after baking. Cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use different types of meat?

• Yes, you can substitute ground beef with turkey, lamb, or a vegetarian option like lentils.

1. What kind of rice should I use?

• Short-grain or arborio rice is recommended for the best texture, but any rice will work.

1. Can I prepare these ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed onions a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

1. How do I know when the onions are done?

• The onions should be tender and the sauce thickened. A fork should easily pierce through the onion layers.

1. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

• Yes, it stores well and can be reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.

1. What if I can’t find yellow onions?

• You can use sweet onions or even red onions as a substitute.

1. Can I add other vegetables to the stuffing?

• Yes, finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can add extra flavor and nutrition.

1. Is this dish gluten-free?

• Yes, as long as you ensure your rice and other ingredients are gluten-free.

1. What can I serve with Greek Stuffed Onions?

• Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread are excellent companions.

1. How spicy is this dish?

• The spice level depends on the amount of pepper you use. You can adjust to your taste.

Conclusion

Greek Stuffed Onions, or Salantourmasi, is a dish that beautifully combines tradition, flavor, and comfort. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it is sure to impress with its aromatic filling and hearty taste. Each bite tells a story of home-cooked warmth and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. Try this recipe, and you might just find a new family favorite that will be passed down for generations to come!

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