Description
Schwäbischer Zwiebelkuchen is a traditional German onion tart featuring a flavorful combination of caramelized onions, creamy egg mixture, and fragrant caraway seeds baked on a crisp pizza crust. This savory dish is perfect for autumn gatherings or comforting meals.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Onion Filling
- 4 pounds White Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 stick Butter (4 tablespoons)
- Kosher Salt, to taste
- Cayenne Pepper, to taste
For the Cream Mixture
- 1 cup Crème Fraîche
- 2 Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Caraway Seeds
For the Base and Topping
- 1 package Prepared Pizza Crust (approx. 12 inches diameter)
- Butter, to drizzle (about 1 tablespoon)
- Fresh Chives, 1 pinch, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced white onions and cook them slowly until they are lightly caramelized, which should take about 20-25 minutes. Season with kosher salt and cayenne pepper to taste during cooking to enhance the flavors.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche, eggs, and caraway seeds until smooth and well combined. Taste and season if necessary. Let this mixture cool to room temperature to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely when combined with the warm onions.
- Combine Mixtures: Once the crème fraîche mixture is cooled, mix it thoroughly with the caramelized onions ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Assemble on Crust: Spread the combined onion and cream mixture evenly over the prepared pizza crust laid out on a baking sheet. Drizzle the top lightly with butter to add richness and help with browning during baking.
- Bake the Tart: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled onion tart for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the topping is set, lightly golden, and the onions are heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Cut into portions and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives before serving. Enjoy warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For sweeter onions, choose yellow onions or a mix of yellow and white onions.
- Allow the onions to caramelize slowly to develop depth of flavor without burning.
- If crème fraîche is unavailable, sour cream can be substituted but will alter the taste slightly.
- The prepared pizza crust can be replaced with a homemade shortcrust or yeast dough for a more traditional base.
- Serve with a light salad or a glass of dry white wine to complement the richness of the tart.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: Schwäbischer Zwiebelkuchen, German onion tart, caramelized onion pie, savory tart, Octoberfest recipe
