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Onion pie

⏱ 60 min🍳 45 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

If you love pies, quiches and the like, you must try this rustic pie made from onions. Its fragrant casing of pastry is stuffed with sweet and tender onions. This recipe is very similar, in some ways, to the famous quiche Lorraine. It is made with cream, eggs and parmesan, and includes the addition of some tasty diced pancetta. The difference is the use of puff pastry instead of the more usual savoury short crust pastry, and by the addition of red onions. We cooked the onions separately before baking the cake, with a ladle of brandy which you then reduce, so as to make it more digestible and fragrant. If you have guests for dinner or you are planning an outdoor lunch, you can prepare this wonderful cake in advance and serve it cut into wedges or squares, either on the baking tray on which it was cooked or your preferred serving dish.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
14g
Carbohydrates
32g
Fat
38g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Total time
45 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Peel and slice the onions. Fry the onions in a frying pan with the bacon and a drizzle of oil. After a few minutes add the brandy and reduce for a few minutes, lower the flame, adjust the salt and cover. Let everything soften for a quarter of an hour. Take a baking tray from the oven and divide the ready-made puff pastry dough into two. Gently beat the eggs with the cream and parmesan, adding a sprinkling of pepper. Choose one of the pastry sheets and prick with a fork. Scoop the onion mixture on to the sheet, first taking care to drain off any liquid. Pour on the cream and eggs mixture. Cover with the second layer of pastry. Brush with milk or egg yolk. Bake for 45 minutes at 180 °C.

Tips
If you are vegetarian you may prefer to remove the bacon from this recipe. If you want to add something else instead, you could try some capers, black olives and a sprinkling of oregano.
Trivia
The red onion is a typical ingredient of the provinces of Cosenza and Vibo Valentia. It was introduced and cultivated for the first time by the Phoenicians, and today the cultivation and sale of these fabulous onions is a driving force of the economy of the area. Another curiosity: this onion has many beneficial properties for our health, but one that perhaps not everyone knows is that it induces sleep!

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Onion Tart with Bacon and Brandy

One of the tastiest variations of onion tart is the one that includes bacon and brandy. This dish is characterized by its rich and enveloping flavor, thanks to the combination of the sweetness of Tropea onions and the saltiness of bacon. To prepare it, start by slicing the onions and sautéing them in a clay pot with the bacon and a drizzle of oil. After deglazing with the brandy, continue cooking until the onions are wilted. The cream of eggs and cream, combined with the Parmesan, will give structure and creaminess to the tart, while the puff pastry will make it crispy. This variation is ideal for an appetizer or a rich main course, perfect for special occasions.

Traditional Onion Tart

The onion tart can also be prepared in a more traditional version, without the addition of ingredients like bacon and brandy. This version focuses on the pure taste of Tropea onions, enhanced by a simple sauté in olive oil. The preparation remains similar, but the absence of meat makes it a great choice for vegetarians. To make it, sauté the onions and then mix them with a cream of eggs and cream. Pour them into a puff pastry base and bake in the oven until golden. This variation is perfect for those looking for a light yet flavorful dish, ideal to serve as an appetizer at a family lunch.

Light Onion Tart without Cream

For those who wish to enjoy the onion tart in a lighter version, it can be prepared without cream. By substituting the cream with Greek yogurt or simply omitting it, the dish will be less caloric while still maintaining a good balance of flavors. Using Tropea onions, which are naturally sweet, will help maintain the creaminess of the filling. The puff pastry base can be made with a light recipe, using whole wheat flour and less butter. Bake the tart in the oven until it is golden and crispy. This version is perfect for those looking for a healthy option without sacrificing taste.

Nutritional Benefits of Tropea Onion Tart

Tropea onions, the main ingredient of the tart, are renowned not only for their sweet flavor but also for their numerous nutritional benefits. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, onions can help improve cardiovascular health and strengthen the immune system. Additionally, they contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. A serving of onion tart provides about 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By choosing lighter and balanced variations, it is possible to enjoy this dish without guilt.

Can the onion tart be frozen?

Yes, the onion tart can be frozen without any problems. To do this, it is advisable to freeze it after cooking and let it cool completely. Once cooled, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. This way, the tart will retain its flavor and texture. When you decide to consume it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature and then reheat it in the oven to make it crispy again. This method allows you to have a ready-to-use dish for occasions when you don't have time to cook.