Mushroom and Nut-Stuffed Onions - 5/26/04

[admin]

Mushroom and Nut-Stuffed Onions
Large, round onions work best for stuffing. Apple in the stuffing add sweetness; rice adds nuttiness too.

6 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui)
1 tsp cooking oil
3/4 cup chopped mushrooms
1 small carrot, finely chopped
1/4 tsp pepper
2 Tbs margarine or butter
1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
1 medium tart baking apple, cored and finely chopped
1/2 cup cooked wild rice or long grain rice
1/3 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup soft whole wheat bread crumbs
1 Tbs snipped fresh basil
1/3 cup apple cider

1. Cut a thin slice from the bottom and top of each onion, leaving onion skins on. Scoop out onion centers, leaving about 1/4-inch-thick shells. Finely chop enough of the removed onion centers to measure 1/3 cup. Brush onions with oil. For filling, in large skillet cook the 1/3 cup reserved onion centers, mushrooms, carrot, and pepper in 1 tablespoon of the margarine for 5 minutes. Slowly add the 1/2 cup cider. Stir in apple, rice, nuts, and salt; cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of the bread crumbs and basil. Spoon filling into each onion shell.

2. Arrange stuffed onions in a 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Pour the 1/3 cup apple cider around stuffed onions. Bake, covered, in 350 degree F oven about 40 minutes or until onions are tender. Melt remaining margarine and stir together with remaining bread crumbs; sprinkle over onions. Bake, uncovered, for 5 to 15 minutes more or until onions are tender. Remove outer skins before eating. Makes 6 side-dish servings.

Servings: 6
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes

Source: Better Homes and Gardens®
Copyright 2002. Meredith Corp.