Name: Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 8 medium yellow onions (oval-shaped if possible); Fresh parsley, for garnish; ¾ cup short-grain or arborio rice, soaked; 4 tbsp olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium yellow onion, diced small; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 tomato, grated; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp lemon juice; ⅓ cup fresh chopped parsley; ⅓ cup fresh chopped mint; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tbsp chicken stock paste; ½ tbsp dried oregano; 398 ml can Roma or whole tomatoes, blended; 1 cup water; ¼ cup tomato paste; ¼ cup lemon juice; 1½ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground pepper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salantourmasi is a wonderful way to enjoy onions as a hearty main or side dish. The slow cooking softens the onions to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness while the aromatic filling blends ground beef, rice, fresh herbs, and lemon for a bright yet rich taste. The luscious tomato sauce ties everything together, creating a classic Greek comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

(Tip: Full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below.)

Onions and Garnish:

8 medium yellow onions (oval-shaped if possible)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Stuffing:

¾ cup short-grain or arborio rice, soaked
4 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium yellow onion, diced small
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tomato, grated
3 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp lemon juice
⅓ cup fresh chopped parsley
⅓ cup fresh chopped mint
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp chicken stock paste
½ tbsp dried oregano

Tomato Sauce:

398 ml can Roma or whole tomatoes, blended
1 cup water
¼ cup tomato paste
¼ cup lemon juice
1½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground pepper

Directions

Prepare the onions: Peel the onions and carefully hollow out the centers, leaving enough layers to hold the stuffing. Set aside the onion cores for another use or chop finely to add to the stuffing.
Make the stuffing: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in grated tomato, tomato paste, lemon juice, soaked rice, parsley, mint, salt, pepper, chicken stock paste, and oregano. Cook for a few minutes until combined, then remove from heat.
Stuff the onions: Fill each hollowed onion with the meat and rice mixture, packing gently but not too tight as the rice will expand while cooking.
Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix blended tomatoes, water, tomato paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble and bake: Place the stuffed onions upright in a deep baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over and around the onions. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until onions are tender and the rice is cooked through. Remove foil in the last 15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

Servings and Timing

Serves 6
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Substitute ground beef with ground lamb or turkey.
Add pine nuts or raisins to the stuffing for extra texture and sweetness.
Use vegetable stock paste instead of chicken stock for a lighter flavor.
Top with crumbled feta before serving for added richness.
For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and walnuts.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven covered with foil or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to fill the onions.

How do I hollow out the onions without breaking them?

Peel and carefully core the onions using a small spoon or melon baller, leaving enough layers intact to hold the stuffing.

Can I freeze the stuffed onions?

Yes, freeze before baking in a covered container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

What type of rice should I use?

Short-grain or arborio rice works best because it absorbs flavors and stays tender.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the ground beef with a mixture of mushrooms, lentils, or walnuts and omit the chicken stock paste.

Conclusion

Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi) bring together tender onions, flavorful meat and rice filling, and zesty tomato sauce in a comforting dish full of Mediterranean flair. Perfect for a cozy family meal or special occasion, it’s a timeless recipe worth adding to your cooking repertoire.

Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi)