Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 Pain d'épi (French bread shaped like a wheat stalk)
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Grater
- Baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
3. Add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar and cook, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Gruyere cheese.
7. Slice Pain d'épi in half lengthwise and place in a baking dish.
8. Top with caramelized onions and pour cheese sauce over top.
9. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 4-6
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 442
Fat: 24.5g
Carbohydrates: 33.5g
Protein: 19.5g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Olive oil can be substituted with vegetable oil.
- Balsamic vinegar can be substituted with red wine vinegar.
- Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese.
- Pain d'épi can be substituted with a French baguette.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a heartier dish.
- Substitute white cheddar cheese for the Gruyere cheese.
- Add roasted red peppers for a bit of color and flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor.
- Be sure to cook the onions until they are golden brown and caramelized for the best flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more milk to thin it out.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in individual baking dishes for a more elegant presentation.
- Top with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Chopped chives
- Sliced almonds
Pairings:
- A crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc
- A light red wine, such as a Pinot Noir
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Sauteed greens
- Mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more milk to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, add a bit more flour to thicken it up.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Food History:
Pain d'épi is a traditional French bread shaped like a wheat stalk. It is usually made with white flour, water, and salt, and is often served as an accompaniment to cheese and charcuterie.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory flavor from the caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese, and a hint of sweetness from the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is best served warm with a crisp white or light red wine.
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Region: French