Hey friends!
What can I say? I mentioned it in my article about the Stolle… As Christmas approaches, Alsace is at my fingertips!!
So, when I think of an easy, delicious, mild-tasting, and comforting meal, I think of onion tart!! That’s just how it is! And in Alsace, we know a thing or two about onion tart!!
Alsatian cuisine: a blend of generosity, tradition, and terroir
Alsatian cuisine is one of the richest and most distinctive in France. At the crossroads of French and German cultures, it perfectly reflects the unique history of this border region. Indulgent, convivial, and deeply rooted in the land, it captivates with its hearty and flavorful dishes.
Among the essentials is, of course, choucroute garnie, the absolute symbol of Alsatian gastronomy. Made with fermented cabbage, it’s served with various types of charcuterie and potatoes, cooked in white wine or beer. Another iconic specialty: the flammekueche, perfect for sharing with friends.
Bäckeoffe, a slow-cooked dish of marinated meats, potatoes, and onions, reflects the strong link between family cooking and rural traditions. On the sweet side, it’s hard to resist the kouglof, a soft brioche with raisins and almonds, often enjoyed at breakfast or tea time.
Alsatian cuisine gives pride of place to local products: cabbage, apples, white wines (Riesling, Gewurztraminer), artisanal charcuterie, or munster, the famous soft cheese with a strong flavor.
And beyond the recipes, it’s the whole warm atmosphere surrounding this cuisine that stands out: the winstubs, large family tables, and local festivities… A true art of living where generosity reigns.
Why this recipe today?
Well, another reason that motivated this recipe is that, three times in a row, I went to my greengrocer convinced I had no more onions at home. Three times. Three times I bought onions… And three times I got home and thought, “but you had some!!” So let’s move past this thrilling tale… I had to find a solution to use up the stock… 🙂
Alsatian onion tart!! Of course!!
Oh, and did I mention how incredibly easy it is to make? A simple savory shortcrust pastry, onions (I often use Cévennes onions but was suggested Roscoff pink onions), cream, and eggs — and voilà! That’s all there is to it!
A cheap, delicious recipe that works as a starter, a main dish with a nice salad, or tasty bites for an appetizer.
You can make it even more indulgent by adding some bacon or chorizo. A fusion of Alsace and Spain…
The health benefits of onions: a daily wellness ally
Onions are a staple in many world cuisines, and beyond their unique flavor, they offer genuine health benefits. Raw or cooked, they are packed with nutrients that benefit the body.
Rich in antioxidants, especially flavonoids like quercetin, onions help fight oxidative stress, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them valuable for naturally relieving chronic pain or inflammation.
Thanks to their sulfur compounds, onions promote blood fluidity and support heart health. These same compounds also give them antibacterial and antiviral properties, boosting the immune system.
Low in calories, high in fiber and prebiotics, onions are excellent for digestion and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Finally, their richness in vitamin C, B-group vitamins, and minerals (potassium, selenium) makes onions a complete ingredient — good for energy, skin, and the nervous system.
Versatile, tasty, and affordable, onions truly deserve a prominent place in a healthy, balanced diet.
The essential utensils:
A thick-bottomed Dutch oven (I use a Staub or Le Creuset),
A tart pan 26 cm in diameter and 6 cm high,
A rolling pin,
A cutting board,
A good paring knife
And a diving mask!! So you don’t cry… 😉
Emma, you’re talking too much, way too much!! The recipe, Chef!
Alsatian Onion Tart
Ingredients
- 1 savory shortcrust pastry (recipe on the blog)
- 900 g of onions
- 15 g of butter
- 3 eggs
- 25 cl of crème fraîche
- Salt
- Pepper
- Ground nutmeg
Instructions
Peel and roughly chop your onions.
Melt the butter over medium heat in a Dutch oven and add the onions.
Cover and cook on low heat for 1 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
After this time, preheat your oven to 220 degrees.
Off the heat, add the cream to the onions. Mix well.
Then add the eggs and mix thoroughly.
Add salt, pepper, and a bit of nutmeg.
Roll out your pastry and place it in your tart pan.
Pour the onion mixture into it.
Bake for 40 minutes.
Serve hot!
Notes
For an even more indulgent touch, you can add smoked bacon bits...
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