Cheese and onion pie is a classic comfort food that never fails to delight. Its creamy filling and flaky pastry make it a favourite for many. Among the various recipes, Delia Smith’s Cheese and Onion Pie stands out for its unique approach. Unlike other versions, Delia’s recipe emphasizes the perfect balance of sharp cheddar and sweet onions, creating a rich and satisfying taste. Her method ensures that each bite is packed with flavour and has a perfect texture, making this pie a must-try for any cheese and onion lover.
How To Make Delia Smith Cheese and Onion Pie Recipe Overview
This particular pie recipe yields about 6 servings, making it ideal for a family meal. The preparation time is approximately 1 hour, and the cooking time is also about 1 hour, bringing the total time to around 2 hours. The process involves making a pastry from scratch, which is then filled with a savory mixture of cheese, onions, potatoes, and a creamy sauce. The combination of these ingredients, baked until golden and bubbling, creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients List
Pastry ingredient:
- Plain Flour (270g): The foundation of our pastry, lending structure and tenderness.
- Baking Powder (1/2 tsp): Gives the pastry a slight lift, making it flakier.
- Butter (90g): Cold and cubed, it’s key to achieving that perfect flaky texture.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances the flavors of the pastry.
- Parmesan Cheese (30g, grated): Adds a subtle nutty flavor to the pastry.
- Egg Yolk (1): Enriches the pastry, contributing to its golden color and rich taste.
- Cold Water (3-4 tbsp): Binds the dough, ensuring it’s pliable and easy to work with.
Filling ingredient:
- Large Potato (1): Sliced thin, it adds heartiness and texture to the filling.
- Large Onions (4): Thinly sliced, they form the sweet, caramelized base of the pie.
- Plain Flour (30g): Thickens the filling, giving it a creamy consistency.
- Milk (180ml): Adds creaminess and binds the filling ingredients together.
- Double Cream (180ml): Contributes to the luxurious, rich texture of the pie.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season to taste, balancing and enhancing the overall flavors.
- Mustard Powder (1/4 tsp): Adds depth and a slight warmth to the filling.
- Cayenne Pepper (a pinch): A hint of spice to cut through the richness.
- Cheddar Cheese (210g, grated): Melts into the filling, adding a gooey, cheesy delight.
Glazing ingredient:
- Egg (1, beaten): Provides a glossy, golden finish to the pie crust.
Instructions
- Starting with the Dough: Gather a sizable bowl and mix together your baking powder, flour and a pinch of salt. Introduce chilled butter into the mixture, crumbling it with your fingertips until it achieves a crumbly texture similar to breadcrumbs. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese. Add the egg yolk and a little water at a time until the dough comes together. Encase the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Filling Preparation: Begin by boiling slices of potato until they are fork-tender, Subsequently, drain the ingredients and place them to the side. In a skillet, gently cook the onions on a low flame until they turn soft and take on a golden hue. Dust the onions with flour, then gradually pour in milk and double cream, continuously stirring until the mixture thickens. Season the concoction with salt, mustard powder, pepper, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the cheddar cheese until it completely melts, and allow the mixture to cool slightly before pie assembly.
- Pie Assembly: Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F). On a lightly floured surface, roll out two-thirds of your pastry dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Arrange a layer of half the boiled potato slices at the bottom, cover with the creamy onion and cheese blend, followed by the remaining potatoes. Roll out the rest of the pastry to create the pie’s top, crimp the edges to seal, and slice a few vents in the top. Glaze the surface with beaten egg.
- Baking the Pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until you notice the pastry turning a golden brown and the filling starts to bubble. Allow the pie to settle for a short period before serving.
Also Try: Delicious Delia Smith Green Tomato Chutney Recipe
Nutritional Value (per serving)
Calories: Approximately 600 kcal
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 40g
Sodium: 500mg
Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pastry?
Absolutely, you can use store-bought pastry. It’s a great shortcut for busy days. Just make sure it’s good quality for the best taste. Roll it out to fit your pie dish. It saves time and effort. Plus, it gets the job done well. Homemade pastry is special, but store-bought is totally fine. It makes this recipe even easier. So, go ahead and use it. Your pie will still be delicious. No worries at all.
How can I ensure my pastry is flaky?
To make your pastry flaky, keep everything cold. Use cold butter and water. Mix them into the flour gently. Don’t overwork the dough. Overworking makes it tough. After mixing, let the dough chill in the fridge. This helps a lot. When rolling out, be quick to keep it cool. Before baking, chill the shaped pastry again. This step is key. Cold pastry hits the hot oven and puffs up nicely. That’s how you get it flaky. Give it a try!
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add other vegetables. It’s a great idea to customize your pie. Think about adding carrots or peas. They add color and taste. Leeks are good too. They make the filling sweeter. Just cook them with the onions. Make sure all veggies are chopped small. This way, they cook evenly. Adding vegetables makes the pie healthier. It’s also a good way to use what you have. So, go ahead and mix in your favorites. It’ll be delicious.
What can I serve with this pie?
Serving this pie with a simple green salad works great. It adds freshness. A side of steamed green beans or broccoli is nice too. They bring color and balance. If you like, try roasted carrots. They’re sweet and earthy. Mashed peas are another good choice. They’re soft and buttery. These sides keep the meal light. They complement the pie’s richness. So, pick what you like. Any of these options will make your meal complete and more enjoyable.
Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie. It’s easy. First, let it cool down completely. Then, wrap it well in plastic wrap. After that, put it in a freezer bag. This keeps it safe. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven until it’s hot all through. Freezing doesn’t harm the taste. It’s a good way to save leftovers or prepare ahead.
Conclusion
Delia Smith’s Cheese and Onion Pie is a wonderful showcase of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly comforting and delicious. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned kitchen pro, this recipe promises to impress with its hearty filling and golden, flaky crust. It’s perfect for any meal where you want to feel a bit pampered and bring a touch of warmth to the table. So, go ahead and give it a try – this pie might just become your new favorite comfort food.