Onion and smoked ham pie

Onion and smoked ham tart is a classic recipe that combines the delicate flavor of simple ingredients with a crunchy texture and a unique aroma. This tart, often appreciated as an appetizer or main course, has its roots in ancient culinary traditions, when each ingredient was carefully selected, and cooking was a true art. It is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a fresh salad or a refreshing drink, offering a pleasant and balanced contrast.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (including dough rising)
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 50 g butter (softened at room temperature)
- 150 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet of dry yeast (or half a cube of fresh yeast)

For the filling:
- 500 g onion (about 3-4 large onions)
- 50 g butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml sour cream
- 100 g smoked ham (diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt (to taste)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a small bowl, mix 1/3 of the lukewarm milk with the yeast and sugar. Add 50 g of flour from the total amount and mix well. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit at room temperature for 20-25 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast has started to activate.

2. Finalizing the dough:
After the starter has risen, add the salt, the remaining milk, and the softened butter. Gradually incorporate the rest of the flour, stirring with a wooden spoon until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Then, cover it again and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 30 minutes).

3. Preparing the filling:
In a skillet, melt 50 g of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and the diced smoked ham. Sauté the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly, until the onion becomes transparent and soft. This step is essential as it brings out the natural sweetness of the onion and the intense flavor of the ham.

4. Thickening the filling:
Add a tablespoon of flour to the skillet, mixing well to absorb the butter. Let the filling cool slightly. Then, in a separate bowl, beat the two eggs and add the sour cream and cumin, mixing well. Add the onion and ham filling to this mixture and ensure everything is evenly combined.

5. Assembling the tart:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 5 mm. Transfer the dough to a round tart pan, leaving a 2-3 cm edge. After adding the filling, gently roll the edges of the dough inward, partially covering the filling.

6. Baking:
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, until the dough turns golden and crispy. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn.

Serving and suggestions:
Let the tart cool slightly before cutting it. Serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce with dill. This dish is ideal for special occasions or for a relaxing family dinner.

Tips and variations:
You can experiment with different types of cheese added to the filling, such as feta or cheddar, to enhance the flavor. You can also replace the smoked ham with bacon or a vegetarian option using mushrooms or sautéed vegetables.

Nutritional information:
One serving of onion and smoked ham tart contains approximately 350-400 calories. It is a good source of protein due to the eggs and ham, as well as carbohydrates from the dough. Onions provide antioxidant benefits, while butter and sour cream offer a creamy and rich consistency.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use half a cube of fresh yeast. Make sure it dissolves well in the lukewarm milk.

2. Is the tart good the next day?
Yes, the tart can be enjoyed the next day, but it is best to reheat it slightly to restore the crispy texture of the dough.

3. What drinks pair well with this tart?
It pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a blonde beer, which balances the rich flavors of the filling.

By trying this onion and smoked ham tart recipe, you will add a delicious and comforting dish to your table that is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 250 g flour, 50 g butter, 150 ml warm milk, one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of sugar, one packet of dry yeast or half a cube of fresh yeast. For the filling: 500 g onions, 50 g butter, one tablespoon of flour, 2 eggs, 100 ml sour cream, 100 g smoked ham, diced, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt.

 Tags:  onion tart ham pie savory tarts