Caramelised onion, fennel and ricotta pies
May 30, 2020
: 4
: 40 min
: 20 min
: Easy
When we were staying at the Zillers Hotel in Athens, we discovered an old-world café on the corner of the square. The walls were covered in wallpaper with green ferns. Each time we visited we ordered the Cretan ricotta and onion phyllo pies. This is our attempt at re-creating that magic.
Ingredients
- 70g butter
- 8 shallots, finely sliced
- 1 large fennel bulb, cored and diced
- 10 sprigs of fresh marjoram (tied together) (or fresh rosemary)
- 10 sprigs of fresh thyme (tied together)
- 2 bay leaves
- Nutmeg
- 30g Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
- 80g ricotta
- 2 packets puff pastry (we used Jus-Rol)
- 30ml milk or 1 beaten egg (to glaze)
- Extra marjoram leaves (to decorate)
Directions
- Step 1 Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on medium-high heat and add the butter.
- Step 2 Once sizzling reduce to medium-low and add the shallots, fennel, the bundles of thyme and marjoram, and the bay leaves. Season and cook for 30-40 minutes or until soft, caramelised and jammy.
- Step 3 Set aside to cool and remove bay leaves and herb bundles.
- Step 4 Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (fan force) and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
- Step 5 Transfer the onion mixture to a medium bowl and add the ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano and grate over some nutmeg. Gently mix to combine, taking care not to break up the ricotta too much.
- Step 6 Unroll the puff pastry and use a medium-sized plate to cut out two large discs from each sheet.
- Step 7 Spoon ¼ of the filling over half the disc, then carefully lift the other side over the filling to seal. You can use the back of a fork to crimp the edges. Place on the baking sheet. Glaze with milk or egg. Use a fork to poke some holes in the middle of the pie and decorate with 2-3 marjoram leaves.
- Step 8 Repeat with the remaining filling and discs.
- Step 9 Bake for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and fully puffed. You can serve warm or cold.
Variations:
- This recipe also works as a canapé, just halve the size of the discs (about 9 cm diameter) and follow the same assembly method.
While you are waiting for the pies to cook, think about three micro ways you can bring more joy into your home. For example, putting away items related to work, bringing in some flowers from the garden, or displaying some fresh fruit. Changing the space with the seasons is a powerful way to lift your mood. Pastel colours, like muted blues, yellows and eggshell white invite Spring and renewal.
