Delicious Mediterranean Blooming Onion Recipe

Blooming Onion — a mediterranean recipe (starter) with 20 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

45

Total Time (min)

4

servings

698

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Mediterranean Blooming Onion Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 large onion (preferably a sweet onion)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (for dipping sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon cucumber (grated for sauce)

Instructions

7 steps

  1. Prepare the Onion

    Cut the top off the onion and peel it. Make a deep cut down the center, then slice from the center to the outside without cutting all the way through. Repeat in a star pattern.

    Make sure not to cut through the bottom.
  2. Soak the Onion

    Soak the prepared onion in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.

    This helps the onion bloom.
  3. Prepare the Breading

    In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

    Mix well to ensure even coating.
  4. Bread the Onion

    Remove the onion from the buttermilk and allow excess to drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring all layers are coated.

    Shake off excess flour.
  5. Fry the Onion

    Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place the onion in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.

    Fry in batches if necessary.
  6. Prepare the Dipping Sauce

    In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, and optional honey and cucumber.

    Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Serve

    Remove the onion from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve with the dipping sauce.

    Enjoy while warm for the best flavor!

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Fish-Free. Diet: Low-Carb

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your mediterranean meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Delicious Mediterranean Blooming Onion Recipe is a beloved dish from Mediterranean cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Mediterranean cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 18 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soaking the onion in buttermilk for longer can help it bloom more effectively.

Rate This Recipe

How was this recipe?

Share This Recipe

Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories300kcal
Total Fat14gg
Sodium500mgmg
Total Carbohydrates34gg
Dietary Fiber3gg
Total Sugars2gg
Protein6gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details