Looking for a unique and romantic Valentine’s Day dinner that’s both delicious and healthy? Skip the crowded restaurants and impress your loved one with a surprisingly elegant dish: Provençal Stuffed Onions. These aren’t your grandma’s stuffed onions! We’re talking sweet, caramelized onions filled with a vibrant mix of lentils, quinoa, and kale, all infused with the flavors of the French countryside.
This recipe for Provençal Stuffed Onions with Lentils, Quinoa, and Kale is the perfect balance of comfort food and sophisticated cuisine. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the beautiful presentation is sure to wow your Valentine. Read on to discover how to create this memorable and healthy Valentine’s Day meal that will leave a lasting impression.
Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serving Size: 4 stuffed onions
Estimated Cost (US Market): $15-$25 (This is a rough estimate and can vary significantly depending on location, season, and specific ingredient brands. Prices for organic produce, for example, will be higher. Buying in bulk can reduce costs.)
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the onions and carefully peel away the outer two layers, leaving the core intact. Slice a thin layer from the bottom of each onion so they can stand upright. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the center of each onion, leaving a shell about 2-3 layers thick. Be careful not to puncture the bottom. Chop the scooped-out onion pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Lentils and Quinoa
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and quinoa with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and quinoa are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
While the lentils and quinoa are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion pieces and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine the Filling
Add the cooked lentils and quinoa to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, kale, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a few minutes until the kale is wilted.
Step 5: Stuff the Onions
Fill each onion shell with the lentil and quinoa mixture, packing it gently. Place the stuffed onions in a baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over each onion.
Step 6: Bake the Onions
Bake the stuffed onions in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the filling is heated through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the stuffed onions from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. These Provençal Stuffed Onions make a beautiful and romantic centerpiece for your Valentine’s Day dinner. Enjoy!
Storage Instructions and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Provençal Stuffed Onions should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to let them cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation. Properly stored, leftover stuffed onions will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
For the best taste and texture, we recommend reheating the stuffed onions in the oven.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed onions in an oven-safe dish, adding a tablespoon or two of water or vegetable broth to the bottom of the dish to prevent them from drying out. Cover the dish with foil and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave Method (Less Recommended): While quicker, microwaving can sometimes make the onions a bit mushy. If using a microwave, place the stuffed onion on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop Method (For Smaller Portions): You can also reheat smaller portions in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a little oil or vegetable broth to the skillet and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Tips for Best Results:
- Adding a little fresh parsley after reheating can brighten up the dish.
- If the onions seem dry after reheating, add a bit more vegetable broth or water.
- Avoid over-reheating, as this can make the onions and filling dry and less flavorful.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Stuffed Onion)
It’s important to note that these are estimates. Actual nutritional values can vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and specific cooking methods. For precise calculations, use a nutrition calculator and input the exact details of your recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Approximate) | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 350-450 | 18-23% |
| Total Fat | 10-15g | 15-20% |
| Saturated Fat | 1-2g | 5-10% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 400-600mg | 17-25% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50-60g | 17-20% |
| Dietary Fiber | 10-15g | 33-50% |
| Total Sugars | 10-15g | |
| Added Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 15-20g | 30-40% |
| Vitamin D | Small Amount | |
| Calcium | Moderate Amount | |
| Iron | Good Source | |
| Potassium | High Amount |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Notes:
- The range in values reflects the variability possible with this type of recipe.
- Sodium content can be significantly impacted by the amount of salt used.
- This recipe is naturally cholesterol-free and a good source of fiber and plant-based protein.
- The nutritional information provided here is for general guidance only. For the most accurate nutritional breakdown, it is recommended to use a nutritional calculator and enter the specific ingredients and quantities you use in your recipe.
Dietary Information
This recipe for Provençal Stuffed Onions with Lentils, Quinoa, and Kale is naturally:
- Vegan: It contains no animal products.
- Vegetarian: As it’s vegan, it’s also inherently vegetarian.
- Gluten-Free: Lentils, quinoa, and the other ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check the labels of any packaged ingredients (like vegetable broth) to ensure they are certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur during processing.
It is not keto-friendly due to the high carbohydrate content from the onions, lentils, and quinoa.
History of Provencal Stuffed Onions
While the exact origins of stuffing vegetables like onions are difficult to pinpoint, this particular Provençal variation draws inspiration from the classic French “petits farcis,” which are small stuffed vegetables often found in the cuisine of the Provence region. Historically, stuffing vegetables was a way to make the most of seasonal produce and create a hearty and flavorful meal, particularly in rural areas.
This recipe updates that tradition by incorporating modern dietary preferences and ingredients like quinoa and kale, which are not traditionally Provençal but add nutritional value and textural interest. The use of lentils also speaks to the resourceful nature of Provençal cooking, where legumes are a staple.
The combination of these elements, along with the classic Provençal herbs like thyme and rosemary, creates a dish that is both rooted in tradition and reflective of contemporary culinary trends, making it a fitting and delicious choice for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day.
Final Thoughts
These Provençal Stuffed Onions with Lentils, Quinoa, and Kale offer a delightful and unexpected twist on a classic dish. They’re not only visually stunning, making them perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, but also packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. This recipe proves that healthy eating can be both delicious and elegant. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, earthy lentils and quinoa, and the vibrant flavors of Provence creates a truly memorable culinary experience.
Whether you’re looking for a vegan main course, a unique dish to impress your loved one, or simply a healthy and satisfying meal, these stuffed onions are sure to please. So, ditch the crowded restaurants this Valentine’s Day and create a special moment at home with this easy yet impressive recipe. You and your Valentine will surely savor every bite.
