Name: Turkish Stuffed Onions
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 6 large onions; 1/2 cup short-grain rice, rinsed; 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb (optional for a vegetarian version); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small tomato, finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground allspice; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

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Turkish Stuffed Onions, or Soğan Dolması, is a comforting and aromatic dish featuring tender onions filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. This traditional recipe is a staple of Turkish cuisine, offering a balance of warm spices, fresh herbs, and hearty textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Aromatic – A perfect combination of cinnamon, allspice, and paprika for deep, warm flavors.
Comforting and Hearty – A satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side.
Customizable – Easily made vegetarian or enhanced with ground beef or lamb.
Great for Meal Prep – Can be made in advance and reheated beautifully.
Authentic Turkish Flavor – A traditional dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 large onions
1/2 cup short-grain rice, rinsed
1/2 lb ground beef or lamb (optional for a vegetarian version)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small tomato, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

Directions

Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Onions – Peel the onions and boil them whole for 10 minutes until slightly softened. Drain and let them cool.
Separate the Onion Layers – Carefully peel apart the onion layers, keeping them intact for stuffing.
Prepare the Filling – In a bowl, combine the rinsed rice, ground meat (if using), chopped tomato, minced garlic, cinnamon, allspice, paprika, salt, black pepper, parsley, and mint. Mix well.
Stuff the Onions – Take an onion layer and place a small amount of the filling inside. Roll tightly and repeat with the remaining onion layers.
Assemble the Dish – Arrange the stuffed onions in a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce and broth over them.
Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes until the onions are tender and the filling is fully cooked.
Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories: 260 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegetarian Option – Omit the meat and add more rice, along with finely chopped mushrooms or nuts for texture.
Make it Spicier – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Different Grains – Substitute rice with bulgur or quinoa for a different texture.
Add Dried Fruits – A handful of raisins or chopped apricots can bring a subtle sweetness.
Try a Yogurt Sauce – Serve with a side of garlic yogurt sauce for added creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze stuffed onions in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed onions in advance and refrigerate them before baking.

What type of onions work best for this dish?

Large yellow or white onions work best, as they soften nicely and have a mild flavor.

Can I use brown rice instead of short-grain rice?

Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time, so partially cook it before stuffing.

How do I keep the filling from falling out?

Rolling the onion layers tightly and placing them snugly in the baking dish helps keep everything intact.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?

Yes, simmer the stuffed onions in a covered pot over low heat for about 40–45 minutes.

What can I serve with Soğan Dolması?

It pairs well with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or a side of yogurt.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes can be used in place of fresh.

Is this dish traditionally served warm or cold?

It is typically served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

How can I make this dish more filling?

Serve with a side of pita bread or rice to make it a more substantial meal.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh herbs will give a more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary.

Conclusion

Turkish Stuffed Onions (Soğan Dolması) is a flavorful and comforting dish that showcases the beauty of Mediterranean spices and ingredients. With its aromatic filling, tender onions, and rich tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you choose to make it with or without meat, this recipe is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and authenticity. Try it today and enjoy a true taste of Turkish cuisine!