| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 244 | 13.1g | 7g | 19.7g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5.4g | 1.3g | 10.2g | 0.46g |
Tantalizingly sweet and beautifully baked, the Vidalia Onion Pie is a stunning blend of flavors that I simply cannot resist. It’s the perfect tribute to my Californian roots, where the warmth of the sun brings out the sweetness in homegrown onions, and to my Gujarati heritage, a culture that values the transformative power of simple ingredients.
A Unique Fusion of Flavors
Just as the coexistence of my American upbringing and Indian descent creates a rich tapestry of life experiences, the Vidalia Onion Pie mirrors this tapestry on a plate. Its creamy and cheesy goodness is an amazing match for the sweet onions, offering a nod to the classic American staple—the onion quiche. Yet, the pie’s subtle blend of spices also reminds me of a Gujarati handvo, an Indian savory cake made with lentils and veggies.
A Symphony of Health Benefits
What I absolutely adore about this creation is that it doesn’t just taste delectable—it packs a punch in the health department, too. Onions, a mainstay of both Indian and American cuisine, come with a laundry list of benefits. They are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that promotes good skin, healthy body tissues and a robust immune system. The eggs provide a solid dose of protein and essential nutrients, while the milk and cheddar cheese are wonderful sources of calcium, promoting strong bone health.
County fairs and open-air markets are often where one can discover the best Vidalia onions, but they are readily available in most grocery stores. Those who wish to read more about Vidalia onions and their uses can check out this helpful article from Southern Living.
Pairing Suggestions and Final Thoughts
The Vidalia Onion Pie shines as the main event, but it’s also versatile enough to be a side dish. Pair it with a vibrant salad for a lighter meal or a juicy steak for a hearty dinner. My favorite combination? A slice of hot Vidalia Onion Pie and a glass of Californian Chardonnay. You just can’t beat that! Plus, this recipe lets me showcase my love for cuisines from both sides of my family tree—a culinary representation of my mosaic identity.
So, whether you’re looking to experience diverse flavor profiles, impress at your next family feast or just treat yourself to a slice of hearty indulgence, this Vidalia Onion Pie is an absolute must-try. Now go forth, roll up those sleeves and let the magic of home cooking take you on a delicious adventure!
What You’ll Need
- 2 large Vidalia onions or other sweet onions
- 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 small tomatoes, finely chopped
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Lay your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and bake until lightly golden, around 10-12 minutes. Afterwards, set aside to cool.
Step Two
Cut the 2 large Vidalia onions into thin slices. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are translucent and soft. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, combine the 3 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground mustard. Beat until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.
Step Four
Take your shredded Cheddar cheese and mix it with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour until the cheese is coated. This keeps the cheese from sinking to the bottom of the pie. Add the cheese to the egg mixture and stir until they are combined.
Step Five
Distribute the cooked onions evenly on the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the onions. On top, spread the 2 small, finely chopped tomatoes.
Step Six
Decrease the temperature of the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake the pie for 40-50 minutes or until it has set in the middle. Check with a skewer to make sure it has cooked all the way through.
Step Seven
Once cooked, remove the pie from the oven and let it stand for at least 10 minutes before serving, allowing it to finish setting. Enjoy your delicious Vidalia Onion Pie!
