Stuffed vegetables are a culinary tradition that spans across cultures, offering a creative and delicious way to transform simple ingredients into a feast. This recipe for Stuffed Onion Rolls is a delightful take on the concept, where tender onion layers are filled with a savory mixture of ground chicken, rice, garlic, and herbs, then baked in a flavorful broth-tomato sauce. The result is a dish that is as visually appealing as it is satisfying.
Stuffed onion rolls bring the same comforting, hearty vibes as stuffed peppers or cabbage rolls, but with a unique twist. The onion layers become soft and slightly sweet as they bake, perfectly complementing the savory filling. This dish is an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or any occasion that calls for comfort food with a sophisticated edge.
Why This Recipe is Timeless
Stuffed vegetables have been cherished for centuries because they are versatile, economical, and endlessly adaptable. This version focuses on onions, a humble ingredient that takes on a starring role with its natural sweetness and ability to pair beautifully with a variety of flavors. The combination of ground chicken, rice, and aromatic seasonings makes this recipe both nourishing and indulgent, ensuring it remains a timeless favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Onion Rolls:
- 2 onions, large
- 500 g ground chicken (18 oz)
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 80 g long grain rice (3 oz, uncooked)
- Dried parsley, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 500 ml chicken broth (2 1/4 cups)
- 100 ml soy sauce (1/2 cup)
- 70 g tomato sauce (1/3 cup)
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4–5
Calories per serving: Approximately 300 kcal
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Onions
- Cut the onions as shown in the video or into halves, depending on their size. Place them in a pot of water and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes until they are slightly softened.
- Drain the water and transfer the onions to a bowl of cold water. Let them soak for 10 minutes to cool and make the layers easier to separate.
2. Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, uncooked rice, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform filling.
3. Separate the Onion Layers
- Carefully remove each layer of the cooked onions, keeping them intact to form rolls. The softened layers should peel away easily after cooking and soaking.
4. Assemble the Rolls
- Take a small portion of the chicken filling and roll it into a log shape. Place it on the widest end of an onion layer and roll tightly to form a stuffed onion roll. Repeat with the remaining onion layers and filling.
5. Arrange in a Baking Dish
- Place the stuffed onion rolls snugly into a baking dish, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer. This prevents them from unrolling during cooking.
6. Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together the chicken broth, soy sauce, and tomato sauce. This creates a savory, slightly tangy liquid that enhances the flavor of the rolls as they bake.
7. Bake the Onion Rolls
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the onion rolls in the baking dish. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 240°C (fan oven) for 55 minutes.
- After this time, remove the lid or foil, reduce the oven temperature to 190°C, and bake for an additional 25 minutes. This step allows the rolls to brown and the sauce to thicken slightly.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the onion rolls from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them as they are or with a side of crusty bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Onion Rolls
- Choose Large Onions: Large onions are easier to work with and provide enough surface area for stuffing.
- Don’t Overfill: Use just enough filling to roll the onion layers tightly without tearing them.
- Pre-Cook the Onions: Cooking the onions before peeling makes the layers pliable and less likely to break.
- Use a Flavorful Broth: The quality of the broth will impact the final taste of the dish, so choose a rich, well-seasoned chicken broth.
- Customize the Filling: Add grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition, or experiment with different herbs and spices.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed onion rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe container with the sauce, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) or in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of broth to keep them moist.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or pork work well as substitutes for chicken. For a vegetarian version, try using a mixture of lentils and rice.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but precook the brown rice partially before mixing it into the filling, as it requires a longer cooking time.
Q: Can I add cheese to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Sprinkle grated cheese over the rolls during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion
Stuffed onion rolls are a labor of love that yield incredibly satisfying results. The combination of tender onion layers, savory chicken filling, and a rich, tangy sauce makes this dish a showstopper. Its presentation is elegant enough for a dinner party, yet its ingredients and preparation are simple enough for a cozy family meal.
The dish is also wonderfully versatile. You can customize the filling, experiment with the sauce, or add your favorite vegetables to the baking dish. Leftovers taste just as good—if not better—making it a practical choice for meal prepping or weeknight dinners.
Conclusion
Stuffed onion rolls are a delicious fusion of comfort and sophistication. This recipe celebrates the onion as a hero ingredient, transforming it into a vessel for a savory, satisfying filling. The tangy broth-tomato sauce elevates the dish, making it flavorful and hearty.
This dish is more than just food—it’s an experience, from the process of carefully assembling the rolls to the joy of serving them to loved ones. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a midweek treat, stuffed onion rolls are sure to impress and delight.
So, roll up your sleeves, prepare your ingredients, and embark on the delightful journey of creating this timeless classic. Happy cooking!