Caramelized Onion Quiche Recipe

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Caramelized Onion Quiche is a different take on savory dinner pies. Karen Keb

Caramelized Onion Quiche is a classic quiche, but a vegetarian option for when you either desire or have no meat.

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Savory Pie Recipes 

The sweetness of the brown-sugar caramelized onions renders it dessert-like. Paired with the nutty, full-flavored Gruyère, it makes for a truly satisfying flavor experience.

Caramelized Onion Quiche Recipe

Crust:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
1 egg yolk
4 to 6 tablespoons ice water

Filling:
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 pounds red onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons brown sugar
Pinch freshly ground nutmeg
2 eggs
2/3 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese

To make crust: In bowl of food processor, combine flour, salt and butter. Pulse to combine, about 10 seconds. Add egg yolk and 2 tablespoons ice water, and process. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, through feeding tube until dough roughly sticks together.

Dump onto sheet of plastic wrap and press together to form a ball. Flatten to disk and wrap up. Place dough in refrigerator for 1 hour.

To make filling: Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat butter and oil over low heat. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring constantly, until they begin to soften. Add brown sugar and nutmeg, and continue to cook for 35 to 45 minutes, or until onions are brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Heat oven to 425°F.

To assemble: On floured work surface, roll out dough to fit 10-inch tart pan or regular (not deep-dish) pie pan. Flip dough over every so often as you roll out to prevent it from sticking. Press into tart pan. Place tart shell on baking sheet; cover with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes; remove parchment and beans; bake another 10 minutes; remove from oven to cool slightly. Lower oven temperature to 400°F.

Beat eggs with cream. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in grated cheese. Place baked tart shell on baking tray and spoon in caramelized onions. Pour in egg mixture. Protect crust edges with aluminum pie ring, or aluminum foil.

Bake for 35 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Cool slightly before serving. Caramelized Onion Quiche yields 6 servings.