Tangy Onion Flowers

Name: Tangy Onion Flowers
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 onions (8 servings).
Ingredients: 4 large sweet onions, peeled; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup coarsely crushed fat-free salad croutons

"These flavorful baked onions are a great accompaniment to grilled meat," writes field editor Karen Owen of Rising Sun, Indiana. "They aren't crisp like the deep-fried 'blooming onions' served in restaurants, but we think they are equally delicious."

Ingredients

4 large sweet onions, peeled
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup coarsely crushed fat-free salad croutons

Directions

Place the onions root end up on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 7-9 minutes or until crisp-tender. Invert onto a cutting board. Slice each onion into eight wedges to within 1/2 in. of bottom; fan out. Place each onion on a 12-in. square piece of foil coated with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine vinegar, brown sugar, oregano, salt and pepper. Brush some over onions; set remaining mixture aside. Fold foil around onions; seal tightly.
Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 30-35 minutes or until tender. Open foil carefully. Place onions on a serving platter. Drizzle with remaining vinegar mixture; sprinkle with croutons.

Editor's Note

This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 each: 48 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable.

Originally published as Tangy Onion Flowers in Taste of Home April/May 2002