Stuffed Onions: Cipolle Ripiene

Yield: 8 to 16 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ease of preparation: intermediate

8 large red onions
4 tablespoons plus 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 pound ground beef chuck
1/2 cup freshly grated caciocavallo
4 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram leaves
1/2 cup dry red wine
3/4 cup plus 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Carefully cut the onions exactly in half across the equator, remove the peel and slice a small amount from the point end, so that the halves will stand upright on the point end. Place the halves upright on a cookie sheet, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with 4 tablespoons oil. Bake until just softened, about 15 minutes.

In a 12 to 14-inch saute pan, heat the ground beef over high heat and cook until browning in its own fat. Remove to a bowl and add the caciocavallo, marjoram, red wine, and 3/4 cup of the bread crumbs. Stir to mix well and season with salt and pepper.

Stuff each of the onion halves carefully with the mixture, to just over the edge, and sprinkle with the remaining bread crumbs. Place the onions in a well oiled glass brownie pan, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and place in the oven. Cook 20 to 25 minutes, until dark golden brown on top, and serve.