Food & Drink Around The World

Use a ready-made crust to save time and energy. Ham is traditionally used in the recipe but can be omitted without sacrificing taste. The cheese is not necessary but makes for a more sinful indulgence!

photo credit: goodhousekeeping.com

• 1 ready-made savory pie crust
• 4 medium onions
• 1 tablespoon butter, margarine or olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoons water
• optional: ½ cup ham, chopped
• ½ cup grated Swiss cheese

For the Sauce:

• 1 heaping tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• 1 ½ cups milk, any kind
• salt and pepper/ul>

Peel and slice (or chop) onions. Gently sauté them in butter, margarine or olive oil in skillet with lid on medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water if onions begin to stick.
While onions are cooking, make bechamel sauce: melt 1 tablespoon butter or margarine in sauce pan on medium heat. Add flour and stir until completely combined with butter and until mixture starts to bubble. Add milk all at once, salt and pepper to taste. Stir constantly until sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, spread crust in pie dish. When onions are done, add to bechamel sauce, add ham if using; pour mixture into pie crust. Garnish with grated cheese, if using and bake for 30-40 minutes at 350° until brown and bubbly on top.