Ricotta and Onion Pie

Photo: alex carracher

Ingredients

1 1/2 kilograms of white sweet onions

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dry thyme

70 grams raisins

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons English Mixed Spices

500 grams fresh ricotta cheese

1 egg

1 roll of puff pastry

Preparation

For the filling, clean and thinly slice the onions. Put them in a non-stick pan with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, the thyme and a pinch of salt. Cover and simmer over medium heat. After about 10 minutes the onions will have released their liquid. Add the honey, raisins and mixed spices. Remove the lid and allow the liquid to reduce. The onions should look blonde and glazed. Allow to cool and strain any extra liquid.

In a bowl, place the ricotta, drained of its liquid, and mash with a fork. Mix in a lightly beaten egg and the cooked onions.

Meanwhile, divide the pastry into two halves, one slightly bigger the other. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry, returning both portions to a round shape. Use the biggest half to line a 24 cm hinged round tin, rest the other on a baking sheet and refrigerate both for about 20 minutes. Handle with care because the pastry will be very thin.

Pour the onion and cheese mixture into the pastry lined tin, leveling the surface and carefully filling in at the edges. Cover with the second sheet of pastry, seal theedges, then brush the top with a little milk and prick all over with a fork. Bake in a preheated oven at 230C° for about 30-35 minutes or until the pie looks nicely golden. Perfect for a brunch in the conservatory ... (?)