ROASTED STUFFED RED ONIONS

Roasted Stuffed Red Onions image

Provided by Melia Marden

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 medium red onions, peeled, trimmed
1 tablespoon kosher salt plus more
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 pound ground beef or lamb
2 dried bay leaves
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried mint
5 cups cooked white rice
1 cup dry white wine, divided
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Cook onions in a pot of boiling salted water until slightly softened, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a large bowl; let cool slightly.
Working with 1 onion at a time, make a lengthwise slit from top to bottom with a paring knife, cutting through 2-3 layers of onion, depending on thickness of layers. Gently remove inside layers, allowing outer 2-3 layers to hold their shape. Finely chop enough of the inside layers to measure 1 cup.
Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and chopped onions; cook, stirring often, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon salt, beef, bay leaves, oregano, and mint; cook, breaking up meat with the back of a spoon, until meat is cooked through, 2-3 minutes. Stir in rice, 1/2 cup wine, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice; cook, stirring often, until liquid is absorbed, about 3 minutes. Add dill and zest; mix well. Season filling with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spoon about 1/2 cup filling into each onion (it should be tightly packed). Place onions in a 13x9x2" baking dish, stuffed side up; drizzle with 1/4 cup oil, 1/2 cup wine, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
Roast onions until crispy on top and slightly browned, about 30 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.