Rustic Potato and Onion Pie Recipe: A Savory Delight
If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty dish to impress your family and friends, this Rustic Potato and Onion Pie is a perfect choice. Packed with layers of delicate flavors, this savory pie features a buttery, crispy pastry shell, tender slices of potato, sweet caramelized onions, and a creamy, flavorful egg and cream filling. It’s the kind of dish that becomes the center of attention at any dinner table, making it ideal as a main course or a side dish.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy family meal or planning to entertain guests, this rustic pie promises to deliver a combination of textures and tastes that are sure to delight. Follow this step-by-step guide to create this delightful pie from scratch!
Ingredients for the Rustic Potato and Onion Pie
Ingredient | Amount |
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Butter (for the dough) | 100g |
All-purpose flour | 200g |
Water | 70ml |
Salt (for the dough) | 1 pinch |
Potatoes | 1kg |
White onions | 2 |
Butter (for sautéing onions) | 100g |
Salt (for seasoning) | To taste |
White pepper | To taste |
Heavy cream | 250ml |
Eggs | 3 |
Chives | 2 sprigs |
Nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
Salt (for the filling) | To taste |
Instructions for Preparing the Rustic Potato and Onion Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
The first step in making this rustic pie is preparing the shortcrust pastry. You can either make the dough by hand or use a food processor. Here’s how you do it by hand:
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Combine the dry ingredients: Start by sifting the all-purpose flour into a bowl. Add a pinch of salt for flavor.
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Incorporate the butter: Chop the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
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Add water: Slowly pour in the water, a little at a time, mixing with a fork. Stir until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to add too much water – you want the dough to be firm but not sticky.
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Knead and chill: Once the dough forms, turn it out onto a clean surface and knead it gently until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato and Onion Filling
While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the filling for your rustic pie.
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Cook the potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly and peel them using a vegetable peeler or a small knife. Slice them into thin rounds, approximately 3-4 mm thick. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and add the potato slices. Blanch the potatoes for about 5-6 minutes until they are just tender but not fully cooked. Drain them and set aside to cool.
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Caramelize the onions: Peel the onions and slice them thinly. In a large pan, melt 100g of butter over low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them gently, stirring occasionally for about 5-6 minutes, until they become soft and translucent. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Once your pastry has chilled and the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the pie.
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Roll out the dough: Take the dough out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes. Then, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 3-4 mm.
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Prepare the pie shell: Grease a pie pan or tart tin and line it with the rolled-out dough. Press the dough into the corners of the pan and trim any excess from the edges. Prick the bottom of the dough with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
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Blind bake the pastry: Line the dough with parchment paper and fill with dried beans or pie weights to keep it in place. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) and bake for about 20 minutes. This process, known as blind baking, ensures a crispy bottom for your pie. After 20 minutes, remove the parchment and beans, and allow the crust to cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Egg Filling
While the crust is cooling, prepare the egg and cream mixture that will bind the filling together.
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Whisk the eggs: In a bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them with a pinch of salt.
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Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and continue whisking until well combined.
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Season the filling: Add freshly grated nutmeg and chopped chives to the mixture, giving it a lovely fragrance and flavor. Set the filling aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Final Pie
Now that all the components are ready, you can layer your rustic pie.
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Layer the onions: Spread a layer of the sautéed onions evenly across the bottom of the pre-baked pastry shell.
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Add the potatoes: Next, arrange a layer of the boiled potato slices over the onions, making sure they are evenly distributed.
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Pour the cream mixture: Carefully pour the egg and cream mixture over the potato and onion layers, ensuring the filling covers the vegetables evenly.
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Bake the pie: Place the pie back into the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. If you gently shake the pan, the filling should jiggle slightly but not be runny.
Step 6: Serve the Pie
Once your Rustic Potato and Onion Pie is beautifully golden and cooked through, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve this pie warm, either as a comforting main dish or as a side to a hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a light tomato soup. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or hosting a special occasion, this savory pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Perfecting Your Rustic Potato and Onion Pie:
- Choose the right potatoes: Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold are ideal for this recipe as they hold their shape well and create a creamy texture. Avoid starchy potatoes, which may become mushy.
- Customizable flavors: You can add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic filling. Additionally, if you’re a fan of cheese, adding grated Parmesan or Gruyère can elevate the dish.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the pastry and filling a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to assemble, just combine them and bake as directed.
Enjoy your rustic, savory pie – a deliciously warm, comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.