Stuffed Onions in Italian Style

Ingredients

• 4 large onions 4 large onions
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (6g sugars)
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut off the tops of the onions and peel off the outer layers. Slice a small portion off the bottom of each onion to create a stable base.
3. 3.
   Carefully hollow out the onions, leaving about 1/4 inch of the outer layers intact. Reserve the onion flesh for later use.
4. 4.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Chop the reserved onion flesh and add it to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix well to combine.
6. 6.
   Stuff each hollowed-out onion with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it down gently.
7. 7.
   Place the stuffed onions in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the tops are golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the stuffed onions cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Breadcrumbs — For a more rustic texture, you can use homemade breadcrumbs made from stale bread. Alternatively, store-bought breadcrumbs work well too.
• Parmesan cheese — Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Avoid using pre-packaged grated Parmesan, as it may contain additives that affect the taste.
• Mozzarella cheese — Use low-moisture mozzarella for this recipe, as it melts better and provides a creamier texture.
• Fresh herbs — If you don't have access to fresh herbs, you can substitute them with dried herbs. However, reduce the quantity by half, as dried herbs are more potent in flavor.
• Red pepper flakes — Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier kick or omit them entirely for a milder version.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the stuffed onions from toppling over during baking, you can place them in individual ramekins or muffin tins.
• For a variation, you can add cooked ground meat or sautéed vegetables to the filling mixture.
• Serve the stuffed onions with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftover stuffed onions can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as fontina, Gruyère, or pecorino, to customize the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Stuffed Onions in Italian Style as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. The onions can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stuffed onions with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves before serving. The golden-brown tops of the onions add visual appeal, so make sure to present them facing upwards on the plate.