Cheese and onion pie

Cheese and Onion Pie - a classic recipe, full of flavor and nostalgia, reminding us of family meals and warm moments spent with loved ones. Here’s how you can recreate this delight in your own kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
- 1 kg crumbled cheese (cottage cheese is ideal)
- 400 g pastry sheets (or phyllo dough)
- 6 large eggs + 2 eggs (for a layer of sour cream)
- 400 g sour cream (choose a full-fat sour cream for a richer taste)
- 3 large onions (preferably white or yellow onions)
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for a lighter flavor)
- A bunch of fresh dill (you can also use other herbs like parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the filling
1. Preparing the onions: Start by chopping the onions into thin slices. Place a pan over medium heat, add the butter, and let it melt. Once the butter is warm, add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent, but do not let them brown. It’s important to keep their sweet aroma.
2. Adding the dill: Once the onions are sautéed, add the chopped dill (or other preferred herbs) and mix well. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Preparing the cheese: In a large bowl, mix the crumbled cheese with the 6 eggs. Make sure the cheese is well crumbled so it integrates perfectly into the filling. Add the sautéed onions and herbs, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the composition well.

Assembling the pie
4. Preparing the baking dish: Take a baking dish and line the bottom with parchment paper. This will prevent the pie from sticking.
5. The pastry sheets: Spread half of the pastry sheets in the dish, drizzling them with oil or melted butter between layers. It’s important for the sheets to hang slightly over the edges of the dish to create a frame for the filling.
6. Adding the filling: Pour the cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Covering the filling: Place the remaining pastry sheets on top of the filling, being careful not to exceed the edge of the dish. Arrange them nicely to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

Preparing the sour cream mixture
8. The finishing mixture: In another bowl, mix the remaining 2 eggs with the sour cream. This mixture will add a creamy texture to the pie. Pour it evenly over the pie and spread it well across the surface.
9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Place the pie in the oven and bake for about an hour until it turns golden and browned. During baking, you can poke the pie with a fork or a skewer in several places to allow steam to escape.

Serving the pie
10. Cooling and serving: After baking, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting. This pie can be served warm or cold. A delicious combination is to serve it with a glass of cold beer or plain yogurt, which will balance the flavor of the cheese.

Chef’s tip
To add an extra layer of flavor, you can incorporate other ingredients into the filling, such as olives or a few slices of sun-dried tomatoes. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pastry sheets.

Nutritional benefits
The cheese and onion pie is a good source of protein thanks to the cheese and eggs. Dill adds not only flavor but also essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a recipe that combines valuable nutrients, providing you with energy and satisfaction.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with feta or ricotta cheese, but the taste will vary.
- What can I substitute if I don’t have dill? Parsley or basil are excellent alternatives.
- Can I freeze the pie? Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

I hope this cheese and onion pie recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and unforgettable moments with your loved ones! Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg crumbled cheese (found in Sibiu for 10 lei/kg) 400 g pastry sheets 6 eggs + 2 eggs 400 g sour cream 3 large onions 2 tablespoons butter a bunch of dill salt, pepper

 Tags:  cheese pie onion pie