Gratin of Apples Onion and Gruyère

Gratin of Apples Onion and Gruyère Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Gratin of Apples, Onion, and Gruyère is a delicious and savory dish that combines the sweetness of apples with the savory flavors of onion and cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic French dish, Gratin Dauphinois. Traditionally, Gratin Dauphinois is made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese. In this variation, apples and onions are used instead of potatoes for a unique and flavorful twist.

Ingredients

0.75 cup flour
0.5 tsp granulated sugar
0.25 tsp salt
5 tbsp butter
1 tbsp cold water
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp butter
1 medium yellow onion
1 granny smith apple, cored and thinly sliced
8 slices wine sap apple, thinly sliced
4 slices gruyère cheese, thinly sliced
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives

How to prepare

In a bowl of a food processor fitted with a chopping blade, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter and process the mixture until the butter is finely distributed.
Add water and egg yolk, then process until the dough forms a ball.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Divide the dough into 4 pieces on a lightly floured surface and roll out each piece to a 5-inch round.
Fit each round into a 4-inch tart pan.
Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C).
Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet, then add onions and sauté for 10 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Melt the remaining butter, then add all apple slices and sauté until tender and golden.
Fill each shell with sautéed onions and top with apple slices arranged in a fan pattern, alternating two wine sap slices among the granny smith apples in each tart.
Cover the apple fans with cheese and bake for 5 minutes.
Garnish the tarts with chopped chives.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist.
Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or Swiss for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the apples and onions thinly for even cooking.

- Be sure to sauté the onions until they are caramelized for maximum flavor.

- Use a good quality Gruyère cheese for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gratin of Apples, Onion, and Gruyère as a main dish with a side salad or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions until caramelized adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Baking the tarts at a high temperature ensures a crispy crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of apple in this recipe, but Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor.

- Any type of cheese can be used in place of Gruyère.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tart shells and sautéed onions ahead of time and assemble the tarts just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the tarts on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Gratin of Apples, Onion, and Gruyère with a crisp white wine or a light salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gratin of Apples, Onion, and Gruyère contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Gratin of Apples, Onion, and Gruyère contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Gratin of Apples, Onion, and Gruyère contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Gratin of Apples, Onion, and Gruyère contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Gratin of Apples, Onion, and Gruyère is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Gratin of Apples, Onion, and Gruyère is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With a balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Gratin of Apples, Onion, and Gruyère. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning shades of red and gold, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of apples. I was visiting a quaint little village in the French countryside, known for its delicious food and charming bakeries.

As I wandered through the cobblestone streets, I came across a small market bustling with locals buying fresh produce. There was a stall piled high with apples of all colors and sizes, their sweet fragrance drawing me in. I struck up a conversation with the elderly woman selling the apples, and she told me about a traditional French recipe that she loved to make with them.

She described how she would slice the apples thinly, layer them with caramelized onions, and top it all off with a generous amount of nutty Gruyère cheese. The combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors sounded absolutely divine to me. I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me, and she smiled warmly and handed me a handwritten note with the ingredients and instructions.

I couldn't wait to try it out for myself. When I returned home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. I carefully sliced the apples, taking care to remove the seeds and core. I then sautéed the onions until they were soft and golden brown, their sweet aroma filling the room.

I layered the apples and onions in a baking dish, sprinkling each layer with a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese. As I popped the dish into the oven, I could hardly wait for the gratin to come out golden and bubbly, ready to be enjoyed.

When I pulled the dish out of the oven, the cheese was melted and gooey, the apples tender and sweet, and the onions caramelized to perfection. I took a bite, and my taste buds were greeted with a symphony of flavors - the sweetness of the apples, the savory richness of the onions, and the nutty creaminess of the cheese.

I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. It became a dish that I would make for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply when I wanted to treat myself to something comforting and indulgent.

Over the years, I have made this gratin countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my tastes. I have added a sprinkle of thyme for a touch of freshness, or a pinch of cinnamon for a hint of warmth. I have experimented with different types of apples, from crisp Granny Smiths to sweet Honeycrisps, each lending their own unique flavor to the dish.

But no matter how many variations I try, the original recipe for Gratin of Apples, Onion, and Gruyère will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of that crisp autumn day in the French countryside, of the warm and generous woman who shared her recipe with me, and of the joy that cooking and sharing delicious food can bring.

As I sit here now, enjoying a slice of the gratin freshly baked from the oven, I am filled with gratitude for all the recipes and culinary experiences that have enriched my life. And I know that as long as I have my trusty recipe for Gratin of Apples, Onion, and Gruyère, I will always have a taste of that magical day in the French countryside to savor and share with those I love.