Blooming Onion

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 large onions, peeled and quartered
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup fresh herb mixture (such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano)
• 200 grams of lean ground meat (e.g., chicken, beef, or pork) (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the onion quarters, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the onions evenly.
3. Spread the onions out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and starting to caramelize.
5. While the onions are roasting, prepare the ground meat (if using) by browning it in a skillet. Set aside.
6. When the onions are nearly done, remove from the oven and deglaze the baking sheet with balsamic vinegar.
7. Return the onions to the baking sheet and add the fresh herb mixture. Toss to combine.
8. Serve the onions topped with the ground meat (if using) and enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Depends on the type of ground meat used and the amount added. An estimate without meat would be around 200-250 calories per serving.
• Fat: Depends on the type of ground meat used. Without meat, the dish is relatively low in fat.
• Carbohydrates: High due to the onions but low if served with lean meat.
• Protein: Increases with the addition of ground meat.

Dish Characteristics:

• This dish is a unique and creative way to present onions, with a sweet and savory flavor profile.
• The dish is hearty and filling, making it a great main course or side dish.
• The use of fresh herbs adds a layer of complexity to the flavor, making it both aromatic and flavorful.

User Comments:

• "This dish was delicious! The onions were so flavorful and the ground meat added a great touch."
• "I loved the combination of flavors in this dish. The balsamic vinegar gave it a nice tangy taste."
• "This was a unique and creative way to enjoy onions. The dish was hearty and filling, perfect for a meal."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use fresh onions that are firm and have no sign of spoilage.
• Use a good quality balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
• This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. Enjoy!