Alsatian Onion Pie

Alsatian Onion Pie Recipe - A Delicious Twist of Taiwanese Cuisine

Region / culture: Alsace, Taiwan | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Alsatian Onion Pie, a savory and delightful dish, originates from the Alsace region, which straddles the border between France and Germany. This pie, known for its rich onion filling and flaky crust, has been a staple in Alsatian cuisine for centuries. Our version offers a vegan twist to this classic, incorporating soy milk and tofu to create a creamy texture without the use of traditional dairy products. This recipe is perfect for those seeking to enjoy a piece of European culinary history with a modern, health-conscious approach.

History

The Alsatian Onion Pie, or 'Tarte à l'oignon' as it is known in French, has roots that trace back to the Middle Ages. Originally, it was a peasant dish, made from simple, readily available ingredients: onions, flour, and fat. Over time, it evolved, with variations including the addition of dairy products like cream or cheese. The version presented here adapts the traditional recipe for a vegan diet, maintaining the essence of the dish while making it accessible to a wider audience.

Ingredients

2 tbsp oil
3 large onions, finely diced
1 cup soy milk
0.33 cup firm tofu, crushed by hand
1.5 tsp sea salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.13 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp unbleached flour
1 tbsp couscous
1 x 10 inches Wholewheat pie shell

How to prepare

In a skillet, sauté onions in oil. Add 0.5 cup of water to prevent burning, or you can substitute water for the oil to reduce fat. Cook until the onions are translucent and mostly soft.
In a blender, combine soy milk, tofu, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and flour. Blend until smooth.
Next, mix the sautéed onions, soy milk mixture, and couscous together.
Pour the mixture into a prepared pie shell.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

For a non-vegan version, you can substitute soy milk with cream and use traditional cheese instead of tofu. Adding smoked paprika or cumin to the onion mixture can introduce a new flavor profile to the dish. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie shell and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best results, use yellow onions for their perfect balance of sweetness and astringency. Cooking the onions slowly and gently is key to bringing out their natural sugars. If you're looking to reduce fat, water sautéing the onions is a great alternative to using oil. When blending the soy milk mixture, ensure it's completely smooth to avoid lumps in your pie. Lastly, letting the pie rest for a few minutes after baking will make it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Alsatian Onion Pie warm, accompanied by a fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. This combination makes for a light yet fulfilling meal, perfect for any time of the day.

Cooking Techniques

Slowly caramelizing the onions is crucial to developing the depth of flavor in this pie. Blending the tofu and soy milk mixture until completely smooth is another key technique, ensuring the filling is creamy and uniform.

Ingredient Substitutions

If soy milk isn't your preference, almond milk or oat milk are great alternatives. For those not avoiding dairy, regular milk and crumbled feta or goat cheese can replace the soy milk and tofu. If wholewheat flour isn't available, all-purpose flour can be used for the pie shell.

Make Ahead Tips

The onion mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The pie itself can also be baked ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for meal planning.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each slice with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil before serving can add a rich finish to the dish.

Pairing Recommendations

A crisp white wine, such as a Riesling or Pinot Blanc, pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the Alsatian Onion Pie. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling apple cider offers a refreshing complement.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Alsatian Onion Pie contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a main dish. This calorie count allows for flexibility in meal planning, whether you're looking to maintain, lose, or gain weight.

Carbohydrates

This Alsatian Onion Pie is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the main sources being the wholewheat pie shell and the onions. Each serving contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those monitoring their carb intake.

Fats

Thanks to the use of oil and tofu, this pie offers a moderate amount of healthy fats. Each serving contains about 10 grams of fat, with a balance of saturated and unsaturated fats. Opting for a high-quality oil can enhance the nutritional profile of the dish.

Proteins

The inclusion of tofu in this recipe boosts its protein content, providing about 6 grams of protein per serving. This makes the Alsatian Onion Pie a satisfying option for those on a vegan diet, ensuring they receive a good source of plant-based protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Onions, the star ingredient of this dish, are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate. Additionally, soy milk and tofu contribute calcium and iron, making each serving of this pie not just delicious but also nutritionally beneficial.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy, wheat, and gluten, which are common allergens. Those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should consider suitable substitutions or avoid this dish.

Summary

Overall, the Alsatian Onion Pie is a nutritionally balanced dish, offering a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a heart-healthy option that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

Summary

This vegan version of the traditional Alsatian Onion Pie offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. With its rich nutritional profile and versatility, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this pie is a delicious and satisfying choice.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Alsatian Onion Pie. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Claire in her quaint little village in the Alsace region of France. As we sat in her charming kitchen, sipping on cups of fragrant tea, she pulled out an old, weathered recipe book from her cupboard.

"Monique, you simply must try this Alsatian Onion Pie recipe," Claire exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a traditional dish from our region, and it's absolutely delicious."

I eagerly leaned in closer as she showed me the ingredients and steps to make the savory pie. The recipe called for caramelized onions, creamy crème fraîche, and a flaky pastry crust. As I listened intently, I could already imagine the rich, comforting flavors melding together in each bite.

Claire had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a recipe that held a special place in her heart, and she was thrilled to share it with me.

I watched as Claire deftly chopped the onions, her hands moving with practiced ease. She gently sautéed them in butter until they were golden brown and sweet, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma. Then, she added a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, creating a luscious filling that would soon be nestled into a flaky pastry crust.

As the pie baked in the oven, I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When it emerged, golden and bubbling, from the oven, Claire sliced into it, revealing layers of tender onions and creamy filling. The first bite was a revelation - the sweetness of the caramelized onions harmonizing perfectly with the tangy crème fraîche and buttery crust. It was a taste of Alsace in every bite.

From that moment on, Alsatian Onion Pie became a staple in my own culinary repertoire. I returned home with the recipe firmly ingrained in my memory, eager to recreate the dish for my own family and friends.

Over the years, I've made the pie countless times, experimenting with different variations and additions. Sometimes I'll add a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese for extra richness, or a handful of fresh thyme for a burst of herbal flavor. Each time I make it, I'm transported back to that sunny day in Claire's kitchen, learning the recipe that would become a cherished favorite.

I've shared the recipe with my own grandchildren now, passing down the tradition just as Claire did for me. It's a way to connect them to their heritage, to the flavors and aromas of the past. And I hope that one day, they'll pass it on to their own children, keeping the legacy of Alsatian Onion Pie alive for generations to come.

As I sit in my kitchen now, the scent of caramelized onions wafting through the air, I can't help but smile. This recipe has brought me so much joy and connection over the years, a thread linking me to the past and to the people I love. And as I take a bite of the warm, comforting pie, I'm grateful for the memories and traditions that food can bring to life.