So, imagine walking into a cozy Greek taverna, where the air is thick with the aroma of herbs and spices, and your mouth begins to water at the thought of a culinary masterpiece. This is what you can expect when you whip up Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi). healthy vegetarian quinoa burgers These plump, sweet onions cradle a delicious filling that dances on your palate like a Greek folk dancer at a wedding—bold, vibrant, and utterly irresistible. delicious puff pastry bites.
Now, let me take you on a journey back to my childhood. I remember my grandmother in her sunlit kitchen, her laughter mingling with the sizzling sounds of onions being stuffed with savory goodness. It was one of those special occasions where the whole family would gather around the table, eagerly waiting for her creations. The anticipation was palpable, and I guarantee that after trying this recipe, your dinner guests will be just as enchanted!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful dish offers a straightforward preparation process that anyone can master.
- The combination of flavors is so rich that it turns every bite into an experience.
- Visually stunning, these onions make for an Instagram-worthy dish that will impress your guests.
- They’re versatile enough to serve as a main or side dish for any occasion!
Ingredients for Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Sweet Onions: Choose firm, fresh onions; they provide the perfect sweetness and texture for stuffing.
- Ground Meat (Beef or Lamb): Opt for high-quality meat to enhance flavor; it serves as the hearty base of your filling.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley & Dill): These herbs add brightness and freshness; use them generously for maximum flavor.
- Rice: Short-grain rice works best as it absorbs flavors beautifully while maintaining its texture.
- Tomato Sauce: A rich tomato sauce brings moisture and depth; choose a good quality brand for optimal taste.
For seasoning:
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in this dish; don’t skimp on them

How to Make Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi)
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel away the outer layers of the sweet onions until you reach their tender cores. Carefully hollow out each onion using a spoon or melon baller—be gentle so they don’t break!
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and sauté finely chopped onion scraps from earlier until translucent. Add ground meat (beef or lamb) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add Rice and Herbs
Stir in rinsed rice along with minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Pour in half a cup of water or broth; bring it to a simmer and cook until liquid is absorbed—about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Stuff Those Onions
Once cooled slightly, carefully stuff each hollowed onion with the meat mixture. Place them upright in a baking dish—like soldiers standing at attention!
Step 5: Sauce It Up
Pour tomato sauce over stuffed onions generously; cover with foil to keep them moist during baking. Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes.
Step 6: Serve It Right
Remove from oven carefully; let them rest for five minutes before serving. Transfer to plates and drizzle with more tomato sauce if desired for that perfect finishing touch.
And there you have it! Serve these Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi) at your next family gathering or dinner party; just watch everyone swoon over their beauty—and flavor!
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi) recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping the onions: peel and hollow them out. Next, cook your filling while boiling the onions until tender. Finally, stuff each onion and bake to perfection, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef with lamb or turkey for a different twist. Add feta cheese for extra creaminess, or toss in some herbs like dill or mint to elevate those Mediterranean vibes.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350°F, ensuring they stay juicy and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
To achieve perfectly cooked stuffed onions, use medium-sized onions that hold their shape well.
- Always pre-cook your filling to enhance flavor and avoid sogginess.
- Lastly, let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking; this allows flavors to settle.
Sometimes I wonder how my kitchen survived before discovering Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi). Friends rave about them every time I serve them, making me feel like a culinary wizard!
FAQs:
What are Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi)?
Greek Stuffed Onions, known as Salantourmasi, are a traditional dish featuring large onions filled with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. This unique recipe highlights the delicious flavors of Greece and showcases the simplicity of its ingredients. sweet and savory flatbread Often baked to perfection, these stuffed onions serve as an excellent side dish or a main course. They offer a delightful combination of sweetness from the onions and richness from the stuffing, making them a favorite among many.
How do you prepare Greek Stuffed Onions?
Preparing Greek Stuffed Onions involves selecting large onions, peeling them, and gently boiling them to soften. Next, create a filling using rice, chopped herbs like dill and parsley, along with seasoning. Stuff each onion generously with the mixture and place them in a baking dish. Add water or broth for steaming during cooking. Bake until the onions are tender and the rice is fully cooked. This method ensures that the flavors meld beautifully throughout the dish.
Can I make Greek Stuffed Onions ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Greek Stuffed Onions in advance. Assemble the stuffed onions and refrigerate them before baking. This allows the flavors to develop further while saving you time on the day you plan to serve them. When you’re ready to enjoy your Salantourmasi, simply bake them straight from the fridge; you may need to adjust cooking time slightly for best results.
What can I serve with Greek Stuffed Onions?
Greek Stuffed Onions pair well with various dishes. You can serve them alongside a fresh Greek salad for added crunch or with grilled meat for a heartier meal. Additionally, tzatziki sauce provides a refreshing contrast that enhances the flavor profile of Salantourmasi. For a complete Mediterranean experience, consider adding pita bread or roasted vegetables as sides.
Conclusion for Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi):
Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi) offer a delightful blend of flavors that encapsulate traditional Greek cuisine. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to serve on various occasions—whether as an appetizer or main course. By following simple steps to create these tasty stuffed onions, you can impress your family and friends with an authentic culinary experience from Greece. Enjoy this dish warm with accompaniments like salad or tzatziki for a truly memorable meal!
Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi)
Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi) are a delightful culinary experience that brings the flavors of Greece to your table. These sweet onions are hollowed and generously filled with a savory mixture of ground beef or lamb, rice, fresh herbs, and simmered in rich tomato sauce. Baked until tender, this dish is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet onions
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and hollow out the sweet onions carefully.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion scraps until translucent. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in rinsed rice, minced garlic, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Add 1/2 cup of water or broth; simmer until liquid is absorbed (about 10 minutes).
- Stuff each hollowed onion with the filling and place them upright in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the stuffed onions; cover with foil. Bake for about 45 minutes.
- Let cool for five minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed onion (200g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg

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