Caramelized Onion Cheese Pie

6 servings

60 minutes

Caramelized onion and cheese pie is a refined dish of Russian cuisine that combines the tenderness of caramelized onions with the rich flavor of Gruyère cheese. The origins of this pie stem from European culinary traditions, where caramelized onions are often used to add depth to dishes. Onions simmered in red wine with olive oil and sugar transform into a sweet-spicy filling, perfectly complemented by a creamy egg custard and aromatic spices. Baked in a crispy puff pastry shell, the pie acquires a delicate texture and appetizing golden hue. It is ideal for cozy home evenings and can also be a worthy dish for festive tables. Served warm, garnished with herbs for freshness.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 555.6
• Proteins: 15.6g
• Fats: 26.9g
• Carbohydrates: 61.7g

Ingredients

• Onion: 1 kg
• Chicken egg: 3 pc
• Cream 10%: 150 ml
• Gruyere cheese: 100 g
• Salt: pinch
• Olive oil: 1 tsp
• Red dry wine: 100 ml
• Sugar: 100 g
• Puff pastry: 400 g
• Green: to taste

Cooking steps

1. For caramelized onions, peel, wash, and slice the onions into thin half-rings; separate the half-rings and add sugar or fructose (I cook with fructose), a pinch of salt — mix everything gently with your hands. Just before placing the onions in the preheated oven, pour in red wine and drizzle with olive oil. After 10 minutes, significantly reduce the heat in the oven so that the onions only sizzle slightly in the wine. The caramelization process will take about 2 hours — so it's better to do it 'in your spare time' and use the preparation in a pie.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 1 kg
   • Sugar: 100 g
   • Salt:  pinch
   • Red dry wine: 100 ml
   • Olive oil: 1 teaspoon

2. For the base, make the dough you usually make or like. Or buy it from the store. Place the dough in a basket shape on a baking sheet and send it to a preheated oven for about fifteen minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Puff pastry: 400 g

3. For the filling, whisk three eggs, add cream, and whisk everything together. Grate Gruyère cheese and add it to the mixture (or you can sprinkle it on top later for a more pronounced cheese crust, but the cheese won't melt into the onions). You can add your favorite spices (I add marjoram).

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken egg: 3 pieces
   • Cream 10%: 150 ml
   • Gruyere cheese: 100 g
   • Green:  to taste

4. Place onions in the partially prepared dough basket, evenly pour the mixture over it, and sprinkle with cheese (if it's not already in the mixture).

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 1 kg
   • Gruyere cheese: 100 g

5. Prepare in 15–20 minutes. Serve warm.