Looking to elevate your dinner game with something unique yet comforting? This Egg-Stuffed Onions recipe is a culinary revelation. By hollowing out large blue or regular onions and stuffing them with a savory mixture of minced meat, garlic, bell peppers, and fresh tomatoes, topped with a perfectly baked egg, this dish delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Finished with a sprinkle of cheese for that irresistible golden crust, these stuffed onions are perfect for both dinner and brunch.
Ingredients
– 3-4 large blue onions (or regular onions)
– 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
– 1/2 bell pepper, diced
– A drizzle of olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– A sprinkle of Provencal herbs (or a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
– 150 g fresh tomatoes, diced
– 250 g minced meat (your choice of beef, turkey, or chicken)
– 3-4 fresh eggs
– A handful of parsley, chopped
– 30-40 g of your favorite cheese, grated
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cut the tops off the onions and carefully hollow out the insides, leaving the outer layers intact to form a “shell.”
Step 2: Sauté the Filling
1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped garlic and diced bell pepper, sautéing until tender.
3. Add the scooped onion flesh to the pan and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and Provencal herbs, allowing the mixture to simmer until it becomes fragrant and well-blended.
Step 3: Add the Minced Meat
1. Add the minced meat to the pan, browning it until fully cooked.
2. Once the meat is cooked through, remove the pan from heat and fold in the chopped parsley.
Step 4: Assemble the Onions
1. Spoon the savory meat mixture into each hollowed-out onion shell.
2. Carefully crack an egg on top of each filled onion.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
1. Place the stuffed onions on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the onions are tender.
2. During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the grated cheese over the tops and allow it to melt and turn golden.
Step 6: Serve
1. Once baked, remove the onions from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
2. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Egg-Stuffed Onions are versatile and can be served in various ways:
– As Part of a Brunch Spread: Pair with avocado slices, smoked salmon, and fresh bagels for a luxurious brunch. A side of fruit salad adds a refreshing balance to the dish.
– With Grains: Serve alongside a warm quinoa or bulgur wheat salad, allowing the grains to absorb the flavorful juices from the onions.
– In a Mediterranean Feast: Accompany these onions with hummus, tabbouleh, and warm pita bread for a hearty, healthful meal.
– As a Dinner Main: Place an Egg-Stuffed Onion atop a bed of sautéed greens such as spinach or kale, and add roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting, balanced dinner.
Tips for Success
– Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have Provencal herbs on hand, any Mediterranean herb blend will infuse the dish with aromatic flavors.
– Add Veggies: Feel free to get creative by adding mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini to the filling for added texture and flavor.
– Moist Onions: Add a splash of broth to the baking dish to keep the onions moist and tender during baking.
– Waste Not: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover vegetables and meat, making it both delicious and economical.
Nutrition Information
This recipe not only delights your taste buds but also offers a balanced nutritional profile:
– Onions: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, onions are linked to improved heart health and reduced inflammation.
– Eggs: A complete protein source, eggs provide essential amino acids, vitamins D and B12, and selenium.
– Minced Meat: Depending on your choice, minced meat offers iron, zinc, and B vitamins, crucial for nerve function and red blood cell production.
– Tomatoes: High in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes support heart health and reduce cancer risk.
– Bell Peppers: Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, bell peppers add both sweetness and nutritional benefits.
– Olive Oil: Known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, olive oil supports healthy cholesterol levels.
– Cheese: While rich in calcium and protein, cheese should be enjoyed in moderation to manage calorie and fat intake.
This dish is inherently gluten-free and can be modified for low-carb diets. For those looking to increase fiber intake, consider adding more vegetables to the filling or serving the dish with whole grains or legumes. Balancing the components of this meal ensures that it not only tastes great but also supports your overall health and wellness.
Read Also: Fluffy Egg and Cheese Breakfast Buns: A Savory Start to Your Day