Have you ever tasted the delightful flavors of Greek Beef Stuffed Onions, or known as Salantourmasi? This traditional dish showcases the perfect balance between tender onions and a richly seasoned beef filling, offering a unique culinary experience that excites the palate. The layers of flavor, combined with aromatic herbs and spices, make it a must-try for anyone exploring Mediterranean cuisine.
In addition to being delicious, these stuffed onions are visually stunning, creating an impressive centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want to savor a comforting homemade dish, Greek Beef Stuffed Onions provide an irresistible option. Dive into the world of this savory recipe and discover how to bring its delightful essence into your kitchen!
Ingredients for Greek Beef Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi):
To create authentic Greek Beef Stuffed Onions, gather the following ingredients:
– 4 large yellow onions, peeled
– 1/4 cup olive oil, plus additional for drizzling
– 1 pound ground beef, divided
– 1 cup diced onion
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1 pinch cayenne pepper
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 3/4 cup white long grain rice
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 1/3 cup crumbled Greek feta
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano, plus additional for garnish
For the tomato broth, you’ll need:
– 4 cups onion cooking water
– 2 cups tomato sauce
– 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon paste
These Greek culinary delights are sure to impress your family and friends. If you’re looking for more delicious dinner ideas, check out this mouthwatering simple ground beef casserole for a quick meal that’s all about flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventure with these stuffed onions, as they are not just a meal but an experience!
How to prepare Greek Beef Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi):
Begin by preparing your yellow onions. Slice the tops off and carefully hollow them out, retaining the inner layers to use for the stuffing. Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and add the diced onions and garlic. Sauté until translucent, then incorporate half of the ground beef, followed by the spices: black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Next, add the rice, red wine vinegar, and chicken broth to the mixture. Let it simmer until the rice absorbs most of the liquid. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff each hollowed onion with the beef and rice mixture. Place them in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
To create a savory tomato broth, combine the onion cooking water, tomato sauce, and chicken bouillon paste. Pour over the onions in the dish. Cover tightly and bake for about 45 minutes. Once done, remove and sprinkle with crumbled feta, parsley, mint, and fresh oregano for a burst of flavor. Your delicious Greek beef stuffed onions (Salantourmasi) are ready to be served!
If you enjoy hearty and comforting beef dishes, you might also like this simple ground beef casserole for your meal planning.
Cooking tips:
To create the perfect Greek beef stuffed onions (Salantourmasi), choose firm, medium-sized onions for easy handling. Start by carefully hollowing out the onions while leaving enough flesh intact to maintain their shape. For added flavor, sauté the chopped onion remnants in olive oil before mixing them with the ground beef and rice filling. Incorporating herbs, like parsley and mint, elevates the dish’s freshness.
For a delicious twist, try to use a variety of spices, such as allspice or cinnamon, which are typical in Mediterranean cooking. If you enjoy other beef dishes, consider checking out this quick and comforting ground beef casserole recipe for inspiration.
To ensure even cooking, cover the stuffed onions while baking, then remove the lid towards the end to allow for some browning. For a complete guide, visit this Greek Beef Stuffed Onions recipe. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Nutritional benefits of Greek Beef Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi):
Greek Beef Stuffed Onions, or Salantourmasi, offer a delightful combination of flavors along with impressive nutritional benefits. First, the beef provides a rich source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Alongside this, onions are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and B vitamins, which support the immune system and energy production.
Moreover, stuffed onions are typically accompanied by herbs and spices that can enhance digestion and add antioxidants. Incorporating these elements can significantly improve your overall wellbeing. Additionally, pairing these stuffed onions with a wholesome side like a simple ground beef casserole can create a balanced meal that fulfills dietary needs.
Lastly, cooking Salantourmasi can be a fun family activity. Preparing together encourages healthy eating habits. Overall, this dish exemplifies how a delicious meal can also be nutrient-rich, supporting a balanced diet.
Serving suggestions with Greek Beef Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi):
When serving Greek Beef Stuffed Onions, also known as Salantourmasi, elevate your dining experience with complementary sides. A crisp Greek salad pairs beautifully, offering a refreshing balance to the savory flavors of the stuffed onions. Consider incorporating a side of roasted vegetables for added nutrition and vibrant color. Integrate some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices, enhancing your meal’s satisfaction.
For a heartwarming touch, accompany the onions with a delightful bowl of simple ground beef casserole. This dish embraces similar hearty ingredients, making them a harmonious duet on your plate. Additionally, a side of tzatziki sauce adds a cool contrast that complements the richness of the stuffed onions.
For a more flavorful twist, serve your Greek Beef Stuffed Onions alongside lemon rice. The citrus adds a bright, zesty note that contrasts nicely with the meat. Finally, don’t forget to offer some olives and feta cheese to provide authentic Greek flair. These suggestions will make your meal not just filling but also a delightful culinary journey.
Storage tips :
To preserve the delicious flavors of Greek Beef Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them; they can last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently. For a comforting combination, pair them with a tasty ground beef casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are Greek Beef Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi)?
Greek Beef Stuffed Onions, or Salantourmasi, are a traditional dish featuring onions filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and various spices. This comforting meal is typically served warm and often garnished with fresh herbs, making it a delightful option for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Can I use different types of meat for the stuffing?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic for Salantourmasi, you can experiment with lamb, turkey, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Each variant will offer a distinct taste, allowing you to customize the dish to your preference.
How long does it take to prepare Greek Beef Stuffed Onions?
Preparation time for Salantourmasi is generally around 20-30 minutes, followed by a cooking time of approximately 1 hour. This dish’s slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deliciously tender meal.
Can I prepare Salantourmasi ahead of time?
Yes! You can stuff the onions ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if they are chilled, so they cook evenly.
What do I serve with Greek Beef Stuffed Onions?
Salantourmasi pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside a classic Mediterranean dish of rice pilaf or even a comforting beef stew, such as in this pressure cooker beef stew recipe.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, cooked stuffed onions freeze well. Just place them in an airtight container, and they will maintain their quality for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply heat them in the oven.
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Greek Beef Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi) – Savory Sensation
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Greek Beef Stuffed Onions, or Salantourmasi, offer a delightful blend of flavors with ground beef, rice, herbs, and spices stuffed inside baked onions, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
4 large yellow onions
peeled
1/4 cup olive oil
plus more for drizzling
1 pound ground beef
divided
1 cup diced onion
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper
4 garlic cloves
minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 cup white long grain rice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup crumbled Greek feta
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
plus more for garnish
4 cups onion cooking water
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon paste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the onions and carefully hollow them out, reserving the insides.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, and sauté the reserved onion insides, garlic, and diced onion until translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, then stir in the rice, spices, tomato paste, vinegar, and broth.
- Remove from heat and mix in feta, parsley, mint, and oregano.
- Stuff the onion shells with the mixture and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Combine onion cooking water, tomato sauce, and bouillon paste in a bowl, then pour around the onions in the dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until done.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use a meat substitute or additional vegetables. Ensure to serve with a side of fresh bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed onion portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Greek Beef Stuffed Onions, Salantourmasi, stuffed onions, ground beef recipes, Greek cuisine
