Savory Stuffed Onions Bake (Print)
Caramelized onions filled with pork, rice, and spices, baked in a rich tomato sauce for a hearty, comforting dish.
# Ingredients:
→ Filling
01 -
500 grams ground pork
02 -
1 cup (200 grams) short or medium grain rice, rinsed
03 -
1 tablespoon tomato paste
04 -
1 medium tomato, diced
05 -
5 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 teaspoon salt
07 -
1 teaspoon paprika
08 -
1 teaspoon oregano
09 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 -
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
→ Onions
11 -
6 large yellow onions
→ Sauce
12 -
1 tablespoon ghee or butter
13 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 -
2 cups (480 ml) beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
# Steps:
01 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, rinsed rice, tomato paste, diced tomato, minced garlic, salt, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
02 -
Trim both ends off each onion. Stand onion on cut base and slice vertically from top to bottom through the center without cutting completely in half. Repeat with all onions.
03 -
Place onions in a large pot of boiling water and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat once layers are just tender and beginning to separate. Do not over-boil to prevent breakage.
04 -
Drain onions and cool under cold running water if needed. Carefully peel away individual layers for stuffing. Reserve onion cores for broth or add, finely chopped, to the filling mixture if desired.
05 -
Place a tablespoon of filling onto each onion layer. Roll tightly, tucking in sides as needed. Repeat until all filling is used.
06 -
Pack stuffed onions seam-side down into a round, ovenproof dish, arranging them closely together to maintain shape during baking.
07 -
In a medium pot, melt ghee or butter over medium heat. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds. Add broth and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.
08 -
Pour prepared sauce evenly over the stuffed onions. Cover tightly with a sheet of parchment paper, followed by foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C for 45 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes. For caramelized tops, broil for the last 2–3 minutes if desired.
09 -
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Accompany with plain yogurt if desired. Store leftovers chilled for up to five days.
# Notes:
01 -
Large yellow onions are ideal for this preparation due to their mild flavor and ease of separating layers after blanching.
02 -
Short or medium-grain rice varieties such as Arborio or Jasmine absorb moisture well and maintain a tender texture.
03 -
Ghee imparts a rich flavor, though butter or olive oil can be used as suitable substitutes.
04 -
Ground pork can be replaced with ground beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, or a combination according to preference.