FOR THE PASTRY
5 oz Oat flakes (rolled oats) * 2 1/2 oz Lard
2 1/2 oz Wholemeal flour 2 1/2 tb Freshly grated Parmesan
2 1/2 oz Plain white flour Paprika & cayenne pepper
2 1/2 oz Butter
FOR THE FILLING
1 lb Onions 2 1/2 oz Cheddar cheese
1/4 pt Soured cream 1 Whole egg
2 1/2 oz Butter 1 Egg yolk
*Note: Medium oatmeal may be used instead of oat flakes if preferred.
Mix the oats, flours, cheese and a pinch each of salt, paprika and cayenne.
Cut then rub in the fat, bind with water and leave out to rest.
Peel, quarter and slice the onions wafer thin. Turn them in melted butter,
cover and leave to sweat over very gentle heat for 20 minutes or so until
meltingly tender, just stirring occasionally.
This pastry is rather difficult to handle so it is best to divide it in
half and roll out in two batches. Keep the other half covered meanwhile.
Use the pastry to line little mincepie tins (or individual 4-inch fluted
flan tins if you prefer). Don’t worry too much if the pastry tears; patch
it together by pressing it with your fingertips. Blind bake on a
pre-heated baking sheet at 400 F (200 C) gas mark 6, allowing 12 minutes
with greaseproof paper and beans, then 12 minutes without the lining.
When the onions are beautifully soft, remove the lid and cook over
increased heat for several minutes until they are a rich golden brown.
Season generously with salt and black pepper, add a dash of cayenne and
paprika and mix well. Then tip the contents of the pan into a sieve placed
over a bowl to drain off the buttery juices and to cool the onions
slightly. When the pastry cases are cooked, beat the eggs with the soured
cream, add onions and check seasoning. Spoon the mixture into the tarts,
sprinkle the grated cheese on top and bake at 400 F (200 C) gas mark 6 for
20-25 minutes until the filling is deliciously puffed up and golden.
Yields
24 servings