Side dishes

Stuffed onion

⏱ 20 min🍳 30 min👤 5 pp★★★☆☆

You will often have vegetarian guests to your dinner parties, and of course you want to share with them your latest creative efforts, because that touch of creativity in the kitchen offers great satisfaction, especially if the resulting dish provokes some genuine appreciation of its elements. Today, then, enrich your vegetarian repertoire with our suggestion of a delicious recipe which balances seasonal ingredients and, above all, that truly appreciates its principal component: a wonderful dish of onions stuffed with a tasty mixture of gorgonzola and walnuts. This dish can be used either as a side dish to accompany some top quality cuts of meat - perfect in this case if you don’t have vegetarian guests – or, alternatively, onions stuffed with gorgonzola and walnuts can be the star attraction of a vegetarian lunch. Are you ready for your mouth to start watering along with your guests?

Ingredients

Nutritional values 340 kcal / serving

Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
22g
Fat
24g
Fiber
3g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Preparation time
30 minutes Cooking time
Serves 5 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Peel the onions of their outer sections and roots, then scoop out the inner core to leave a hole. Blanch in lightly salted water, just to soften them a little. Prepare the filling by placing the breadcrumbs in a food processor, along with the gorgonzola, walnuts and a little of the onion hearts, some salt and pepper. Put a knob of butter in each onion then fill with the stuffing and decorate with half a walnut kernel placed on each onion. Bake at 180°C for 20 mins and then finish off with 5 mins under the grill.

Tips
If you want to transform a recipe like this to one perfect for vegans, replace the butter with to olive oil and the cheese with one suitable for vegans.
Trivia
If you want to cut your onions without making yourself cry, try this cunning idea: wet the blade of your knife with some water before starting work.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Stuffed Onions with Gorgonzola and Walnuts

A delicious variant of classic stuffed onions involves the use of gorgonzola and walnuts, ingredients that enrich the filling with a strong flavor and a crunchy texture. To prepare this recipe, start by blanching the onions in salted water to soften them, then hollow them out and fill them with a mix of breadcrumbs, gorgonzola, chopped walnuts, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The presence of butter inside each onion makes the dish even creamier and more enveloping. After baking at 180° for about 20 minutes, the result will be a golden and flavorful preparation, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.

Stuffed Onions from Molise

This traditional recipe for stuffed onions finds its origins in Molise cuisine, where onions are paired with local ingredients for a dish rich in authentic flavors. The onions, sweet and juicy, are hollowed out and filled with a mixture of gorgonzola and walnuts, with an intense and characteristic taste. Baking in the oven allows all the flavors to blend, making each bite a true journey through the flavors of Molise. Try serving these stuffed onions as an appetizer during holidays or special occasions to surprise your guests with a dish that tells the culinary tradition of this Italian region.

Light Stuffed Onions without Butter

If you are looking for a lighter version of stuffed onions, you can try making them without butter, replacing it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For the filling, always use gorgonzola and walnuts, but reduce the amount of breadcrumbs to keep the dish lighter. Blanching the onions remains a fundamental step to soften the vegetable, while baking will ensure a pleasant texture. This light variant is ideal for those who want to enjoy a healthy dish without giving up flavor. Light stuffed onions can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish in a light and healthy dinner.

Benefits of Stuffed Onions: Nutritional Properties and Calories

Onions are an ingredient rich in health benefits. They contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help strengthen the immune system and improve heart health. Additionally, onions are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Regarding stuffed onions, a serving of this dish provides about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. The addition of gorgonzola and walnuts enriches the dish with healthy fats and proteins, making it nutritious and substantial.

Can Stuffed Onions be Frozen?

Yes, stuffed onions can be frozen, but there are some precautions to follow to preserve their flavor and texture. It is advisable to freeze them after cooking, allowing them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or food bags. This way, frost formation will be avoided, and greater freshness will be ensured at the time of consumption. When you want to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours and then reheat them in the oven or microwave. This solution is ideal for always having a flavorful dish ready to use, perfect for a quick dinner or an impromptu lunch.