Rustic Cheese, Onion, Leek & Potato Pie
This Rustic Cheese, Onion, Leek & Potato Pie is a heartwarming dish that celebrates the comforting flavors of fresh vegetables and rich cheeses. Inspired by the culinary genius of renowned Melbourne chef Iain Hewitson, this pie brings a delightful twist to a classic recipe. With layers of tender potatoes, sweet sautéed onions, aromatic leeks, and an indulgent creamy cheese filling encased in flaky puff pastry, it’s the perfect centerpiece for a cozy meal. Whether enjoyed with a crisp salad or on its own, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
large onions
2 (Sliced)
leek
1 (Sliced)
garlic cloves
3-4 (Minced)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (Dried)
tasty cheese
100 g (Cubed)
tasty cheese
150 g (Grated)
crème fraîche
250 g (Or sour cream, low-fat option is fine)
medium-large potato
1 kg (Peeled and very finely sliced; place in water until ready to use)
sea salt
to taste (To season between layers)
black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground, to season between layers)
puff pastry sheet
1 (For the top crust)
egg
1 (Beaten with milk for egg wash)
milk
1/4 cup (For mixing with egg)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C fan forced (200°C normal) / 350°F - 375°F / gas mark 4-5.
2
In a heavy-based non-stick pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Gently sauté the sliced onions and leek until they are softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3
Once the onions and leeks are soft, remove the pan from heat. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the cubed and grated tasty cheese with the crème fraîche (or sour cream) until well mixed. Set aside.
5
Take a well-greased round oven dish and layer several slices of the soaked, finely sliced potatoes at the bottom. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6
Add half of the sautéed onion and leek mixture over the potatoes, followed by dollops of the cheese mixture. Don’t worry about spreading it out; it will melt and spread as it cooks.
7
Repeat the layering process with another layer of potatoes, the remaining onion and leek mixture, more salt and pepper, and another layer of cheese mixture, finishing with the last layer of cheese.
8
Roll out the puff pastry and cut a circle that’s slightly larger than the top of your dish. This will allow the pastry to drape over the sides.
9
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the rim of the dish with the egg wash, then place the pastry round on top of the pie, pressing the edges around the rim of the dish.
10
Brush the top and the overlapping edges of the pastry with the remaining egg wash for a golden finish.
11
Bake the pie on the lower shelf of the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully golden brown and crisp.
12
Once cooked, allow to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve with a side of fresh salad greens for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Cheese, Onion, Leek & Potato Pie?
It is a heartwarming dish featuring layers of potatoes, sautéed onions, aromatic leeks, and a creamy cheese filling encased in flaky puff pastry.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary genius of renowned Melbourne chef Iain Hewitson.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 180°C fan forced (200°C normal), which is approximately 350°F - 375°F or gas mark 4-5.
How do I prepare the onions and leek?
Gently sauté the sliced onions and leek in olive oil over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
What seasonings are added to the sautéed vegetables?
Once the onions and leeks are soft, remove the pan from heat and mix in minced garlic and dried thyme.
How is the cheese mixture prepared?
Combine 100g of cubed tasty cheese, 150g of grated tasty cheese, and 250g of crème fraîche (or sour cream) in a bowl until well mixed.
Can I use a low-fat dairy option?
Yes, a low-fat option for the crème fraîche or sour cream is perfectly fine for this recipe.
How should the potatoes be prepared before layering?
The potatoes should be peeled and very finely sliced, then placed in water until you are ready to use them.
What is the first step of the layering process?
Place several slices of the soaked potatoes at the bottom of a well-greased round oven dish and season with sea salt and black pepper.
How do I add the filling to the layers?
Add half of the sautéed onion and leek mixture over the potatoes, followed by dollops of the cheese mixture.
Do I need to spread the cheese mixture manually?
No, do not worry about spreading it out; the cheese will melt and spread naturally as it cooks.
How many times do I repeat the layering?
Repeat the process once more, finishing with a final layer of the cheese mixture on top of the second layer of potatoes and onions.
How do I prepare the puff pastry crust?
Roll out the puff pastry and cut a circle slightly larger than the top of your dish to allow it to drape over the sides.
What is in the egg wash?
The egg wash consists of one beaten egg whisked together with 1/4 cup of milk.
How is the pastry attached to the dish?
Brush the rim of the dish with egg wash, then place the pastry round on top and press the edges around the rim.
Where in the oven should the pie be baked?
The pie should be baked on the lower shelf of the oven.
How long does the pie need to bake?
Bake the pie for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is finished when the pastry is beautifully golden brown and crisp.
Should I let the pie cool before serving?
Yes, allow the pie to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to make it easier to slice.
What is a recommended side dish?
This pie is excellent when served with a side of fresh salad greens.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 'tasty cheese', which is a sharp cheddar-style cheese popular in Australia and New Zealand.
How many potatoes do I need?
You will need approximately 1 kg of medium-large potatoes.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
What kind of pan is best for the onions?
A heavy-based non-stick pan is recommended for even heat distribution and to prevent burning.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a savory vegetarian dish.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe suggests using 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves.
What quantity of dried thyme is needed?
One teaspoon of dried thyme is used to flavor the onion and leek mixture.
How many onions are required?
The recipe calls for two large onions, sliced.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The pie features savory, sweet, and aromatic notes from sautéed leeks, onions, garlic, thyme, and rich cheeses.
Can I use a square dish instead of a round one?
While the recipe specifies a round dish, a square oven dish can be used as long as the pastry is cut to fit the shape appropriately.