Greek beef stuffed onions, or Salantourmasi, are a classic Greek dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This hearty and flavorful recipe combines the sweetness of onions with a savory filling of Greek beef, herbs, and spices. The onions are slowly braised until tender, creating a rich and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Salantourmasi is a relatively simple dish to prepare. To achieve the best flavor and texture, it’s essential to select quality ingredients and allow the onions to braise slowly. The result is a delicious and satisfying Greek beef stuffed onions meal that is sure to please your taste buds.
How to Prepare Salantourmasi? Greek Beef Stuffed Onions Recipe
Greek beef stuffed onions (Salantourmasi) are a hearty and flavorful dish. The onions are filled to the brim with a delicious blend of seasoned ground beef, rice, and fragrant herbs. The onions are then baked or braised until tender, and the filling is cooked through. This traditional Greek dish is often served with a side of tzatziki sauce.
Preparation Time:
1hr 35min
Ingredients:
- 4 large sized onions
- 500g of ground beef
- 100g of rice
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 400g of canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 100g of feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Baking dish
- Frying pan
- Spoon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Peel the onions and carefully hollow them out, leaving a thin layer of flesh inside.
- In a heated frying pan, fry minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Little chunks of ground beef should be broken up and browned in the pan.
- Mix rice, meat mixture, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring periodically, for 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and mix in the crumbled feta cheese.
- Stuff each hollowed onion with the beef and rice mixture.
- Place the stuffed onions in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Gently boil onions for 75 minutes straight so they turn soft to the fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Macros:
- Total Calories: 590kcal
- Carbs: 50g
- Proteins: 60g
- Fats: 35g
5 Sides to Complement Greek Beef Stuffed Onions
Here are 5 delicious side dishes that pair well with Greek beef stuffed onions (Salantourmasi):
- Greek Salad: A classic combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and olives, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Rice Pilaf: A simple and versatile side dish that can be flavored with herbs, spices, or vegetables.
- Tzatziki Sauce: A creamy and refreshing dip made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill.
- Grilled Asparagus: A healthy and flavorful side dish that is easy to prepare.
Additional Tips:
- Use big, sweet onions.
- Play around with different herbs and spices in the filling.
- Customize the cooking time to achieve your desired level of tenderness in the onions.
- Serve with roasted potatoes, Greek salad, or red wine.
- The prepared filling should be kept chilled until needed.
- For a vegetarian option, swap the beef for feta, spinach, and herbs.
- Leftovers are great for reheating.
Greek Beef Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi)
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Baking dish
- Frying pan
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 4 large sized onions
- 500 g of ground beef
- 100 g of rice
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 400 g of canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 100 g of feta cheese crumbled
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Peel the onions and carefully hollow them out, leaving a thin layer of flesh inside.
- In a heated frying pan, fry minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Little chunks of ground beef should be broken up and browned in the pan.
- Mix rice, meat mixture, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring periodically, for 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and mix in the crumbled feta cheese.
- Stuff each hollowed onion with the beef and rice mixture.
- Place the stuffed onions in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Gently boil onions for 75 minutes straight so they turn soft to the fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
5 Sides to Complement Greek Beef Stuffed Onions
Here are 5 delicious side dishes that pair well with Greek beef stuffed onions (Salantourmasi):- Greek Salad: A classic combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and olives, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Rice Pilaf: A simple and versatile side dish that can be flavored with herbs, spices, or vegetables.
- Tzatziki Sauce: A creamy and refreshing dip made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill.
- Grilled Asparagus: A healthy and flavorful side dish that is easy to prepare.
Conclusion:
Greek beef stuffed onions (Salantourmasi) offer a hearty and flavorful experience that captures the essence of traditional Greek cuisine. With its tender, caramelized onions and savory beef filling, this dish is a satisfying and comforting meal that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Greek cuisine, Salantourmasi is a recipe worth trying. The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more.
FAQs
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What is the best type of onion to use for Salantourmasi?
Large, sweet onions like Vidalia or Spanish onions are ideal for Salantourmasi. These onions have a mild flavor and a tender texture that complements the savory filling.
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Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other ground meats like lamb, pork, or turkey. Each meat will offer a slightly different flavor profile, so choose based on your personal preference.
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How can I make Salantourmasi vegetarian?
To make Salantourmasi vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a mixture of crumbled feta cheese, spinach, and herbs. The filling will still be flavorful and satisfying.
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What is the best way to reheat leftover Salantourmasi?
To reheat leftover Salantourmasi, gently warm it in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 350°F) until heated through. Avoid overcooking, as this can dry out the onions and the filling.
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What are some other side dishes that pair well with Salantourmasi?
In addition to the suggested side dishes in the recipe, you can also serve Salantourmasi with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a Greek salad.