James Martin Cheese and Onion Pie

James Martin's Cheese and Onion Pie is a classic British dish, embodying the heartiness and simplicity of traditional English cooking. It's a savory pie featuring a blend of cheeses and onions encased in a crisp shortcrust pastry. This dish is particularly popular in the north of England and is often found in pubs and home kitchens alike.

Ingredients List

• Strong, hard cheese (preferably cheddar): 200g, half grated, half cut into small chunks
• Crème fraîche: 200ml
• Shortcrust pastry: 500g
• Floury potatoes, thinly sliced: 1kg
• Onions, finely sliced: 2
• Spring onions, roughly chopped: 1 bunch
• Grated nutmeg: a small pinch
• Paprika: a large pinch
• Beaten egg: 1

Preparation Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens) or gas mark 6.
2. Prepare the Filling: Mix grated cheddar with crème fraîche in a bowl. Grease and flour a 23cm pie dish.
3. Assemble the Pie: Roll out two-thirds of the pastry and line the dish. Layer potatoes, onions, spring onions, and cheese in the dish, seasoning each layer. Finish with the cheese and crème fraîche mixture.
4. Top the Pie: Roll out the remaining pastry to cover the pie. Seal and trim the edges, then brush with beaten egg.
5. Bake: Place on a baking sheet in the oven for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat and bake for an additional hour.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Wrap cooled pie in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Securely wrap the pie in plastic and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 175°C for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 10g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use other cheeses like Lancashire or Wensleydale for a different flavor profile.
• How to prevent a soggy pie bottom? Blind bake the pastry crust before adding the filling.
• Can this pie be made ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate it before baking.

James Martin's Cheese and Onion Pie is a classic and comforting dish, ideal for a hearty meal. Serve it with a side of salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. The key to this pie's success lies in using quality ingredients like organic onions and extra mature cheddar. This recipe is credited to James Martin, a celebrated British chef known for his expertise in traditional British cuisine.

This recipe is an adaptation of James Martin's original recipe.