Description
A rustic, savory German Onion Tart (Zwiebelkuchen) with a flaky crust, sweet caramelized onions, and a creamy custard filling. This traditional German bake is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, offering a taste of authentic German culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dough:
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 15g fresh yeast (or 1 packet dry yeast)
- 125ml lukewarm milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- For the Filling:
- 500g yellow onions, finely sliced
- 20g butter
- 2 eggs
- 200g crème fraîche or sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk with sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy. Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Add yeast mixture and oil, knead into a soft dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Cook the Onion Filling: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook gently for 15–20 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir frequently. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Custard: Whisk together eggs, crème fraîche, flour, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. Fold in the cooled onions.
- Assemble the Tart: Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Roll out dough and press into a tart or springform pan. Pour onion mixture evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and set. Let rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Slice onions finely for even cooking.
- Let onions cool before mixing with custard to prevent curdling.
- Use fresh yeast for authentic flavor, dry yeast is an acceptable substitute.
- Do not overbake; the filling should be set but moist.
- This German Onion Tart is already vegetarian.
- For a lactose-free version, use lactose-free cream or plant-based alternatives.
- A low-carb crust can be made with almond flour or a cauliflower crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot / Braised
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg