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Greek Stuffed Onions: Salantourmasi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 124 reviews

Greek Stuffed Onions, known as Salantourmasi, are a savory and aromatic dish featuring tender onion layers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, Arborio rice, herbs, and tomato puree. Baked to perfection with a tangy tomato-onion broth sauce, these stuffed onions make a comforting main course perfect for a traditional Greek meal, served alongside feta cheese, yogurt, and fresh parsley garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions and Garnish

  • 6–8 onions
  • Parsley for garnish

Serve With

  • Feta cheese
  • Yogurt

For the Stuffing

  • 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 5–6 garlic cloves, grated
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups pureed canned or fresh tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups pureed tomatoes
  • 2 cups onion broth (reserved from boiling onions)
  • 3–4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Cut off the tops and bottoms of the onions and peel them. Make a slit down one side of each onion, being careful not to cut through the layers. Boil the onions in salted water for about 10-15 minutes until softened. Reserve 4 cups of the onion broth for the stuffing and sauce. Drain and let cool. Gently separate the layers, keeping them intact for stuffing.
  2. Make the Filling: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the finely chopped onion and olive oil. Cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the grated garlic and warm through until fragrant. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink. Add 1 cup of the tomato puree and cook it down until thickened. Incorporate the Arborio rice, 1 and 1/2 cups of the reserved onion broth, and additional salt as needed. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the broth is absorbed, being careful not to overcook the rice. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and dried herbs (oregano, mint, dill). Mix well and set aside.
  3. Stuff the Onions: Take a layer of softened onion and place 1-2 spoonfuls of the filling in the center. Roll the onion around the filling to form a stuffed packet. Repeat this process with the remaining onion layers and filling until all are used.
  4. Arrange in Pot: Place the stuffed onion packets seam-side down in a baking pan. Arrange them snugly in a single layer to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the remaining 2 cups of pureed tomatoes, 2 cups of reserved onion broth, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Pour this sauce evenly over the arranged stuffed onions. Cover the baking pan tightly with foil or parchment paper.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the covered stuffed onions for 45 minutes. Then uncover and continue to bake for an additional 35-45 minutes until the onions are tender and caramelized. For extra color and caramelization, turn the oven to the broil setting and broil the onions for the final 5 minutes.
  7. Serve: Allow the stuffed onions to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve alongside crusty bread, feta cheese, yogurt, and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stuffed onions in a freezer-safe container with the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • These stuffed onions taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Keywords: Greek stuffed onions, Salantourmasi, stuffed onions recipe, ground beef with rice, baked onions, traditional Greek dish, Mediterranean cuisine

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/greek-stuffed-onions-salantourmasi-recipe/