Ingredients for Authentic German Onion Pie (Zwiebelkuchen)
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious Authentic German Onion Pie. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your flaky crust, providing structure and texture.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors of the crust and filling, making everything taste better.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, it creates a tender, flaky crust. You can also use lard for a richer flavor.
- Egg: This helps bind the crust together, giving it a lovely golden color when baked.
- Cold water: Just a splash helps bring the dough together without making it sticky.
- Onions: The star of the show! Sweet, thinly sliced onions caramelize beautifully, adding depth to the pie.
- Bacon: Optional but traditional, diced bacon adds a savory crunch that complements the onions perfectly.
- Sour cream or crème fraîche: This creamy element enriches the filling, giving it a luscious texture.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness to the custard, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Large eggs: These help set the filling, ensuring it holds together when sliced.
- Flour: A bit more is added to the custard to help thicken it up.
- Black pepper: A dash of this spice adds warmth and a hint of heat to the filling.
- Ground caraway seeds: Traditional in German cooking, these seeds add a unique flavor. Feel free to skip if you’re not a fan.
- Fresh thyme leaves: A lovely garnish that adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Authentic German Onion Pie (Zwiebelkuchen)
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious Authentic German Onion Pie! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pie that’s sure to impress.
Prepare the Crust
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour and salt in a large bowl. Then, cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Next, add the egg and a few tablespoons of cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Once chilled, roll it out on a floured surface and press it into a greased tart or pie pan. Don’t forget to prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling!
Cook the Onions
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them gently for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want them soft and golden, not burnt! If you’re using bacon, toss it in once the onions are nearly done, cooking until it’s lightly crisped. This combination creates a beautiful flavor base for your pie. Once cooked, let the mixture cool slightly before adding it to the custard.
Make the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream, and eggs until smooth. Then, add the flour, salt, black pepper, and ground caraway seeds, if using. Mix until everything is well combined. Now, gently fold in the cooled onion and bacon mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. This custard will be the heart of your Authentic German Onion Pie, bringing all those flavors together in a creamy embrace!
Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the onion-bacon custard filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Bake the pie for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible! Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for that extra touch of flavor and presentation.