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Greek Beef Stuffed Onions Recipe

Greek Beef Stuffed Onions Recipe

Pinklady
Stuffed vegetables, or "gemista," are a cornerstone of Greek culinary traditions. The practice of hollowing out vegetables and filling them with savory mixtures dates back centuries, reflecting the Greeks' resourcefulness in utilizing seasonal produce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Spoon or melon baller
  • Aluminum foil (optional)

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffed Onions:

  • 6 large yellow onions
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium tomato, grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Onions
    Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
    Peel the onions and trim the tops and bottoms slightly to create a flat base.
    Place the onions in the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes until slightly softened.
    Remove the onions and let them cool enough to handle.
    Carefully separate the layers of each onion, leaving them intact for stuffing. Set aside the inner layers to chop and use in the filling.
  • Step 2: Make the Filling
    Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    Add the chopped onion layers and minced garlic. Sauté until softened.
    Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
    Stir in the grated tomato, cooked rice, parsley, cinnamon, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  • Step 3: Stuff the Onions
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Take an onion layer and place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center. Roll or fold the layer to enclose the filling.
    Repeat with the remaining onion layers and filling.
    Arrange the stuffed onions snugly in a baking dish.
  • Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
    In a bowl, mix the broth, tomato sauce, lemon juice, and olive oil.
    Pour the sauce over the stuffed onions in the baking dish.
    Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the onions moist while baking.
  • Step 5: Bake the Onions
    Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
    Bake for 40-50 minutes, removing the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the onions to brown slightly.
    Baste the onions with the sauce halfway through cooking to enhance the flavor.
  • Step 6: Serve
    Remove the stuffed onions from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
    Serve warm with a drizzle of the sauce from the baking dish. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Video

Keyword Greek Beef Stuffed Onions Recipe