Puff Pastry with Onion Jam
- Vegetarian
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 20 min
- Cook time: 15 min
- Makes: 9 pieces
- Cost: Low
PRESENTATION
So, there's this thing called onion jam puff pastry—straight outta Calabria, Southern Italy. Pretty much, it's a party showstopper. Why? The famous Tropea red onions, that's why. They have this gorgeous wine-red color, plus a sweet and tangy flavor that's, like, really unique. Seriously good. Calabrians love turning these onions into a jam that's sweet yet tangy, and it's perfect for puff pastry baskets.
And here's the deal: when you bake these little bites, they turn golden and flaky. Looks fancy, tastes amazing, and—here's the kicker—pretty simple to make. The blend of savory puff pastry recipes with the tender onion filling is way way better than you'd expect. Folks—especially newbies to Italian onion jam—often can't believe how tasty it is.
Now, these caramelized onion tart appetizers? Perfect for any buffet or party. You can throw in some aged cheese like Parmigiano, Grana, or Pecorino on top. And you know what? Those cheeses get all crispy and melt into the pastry. Adds another flavor layer that makes the onions even better. In Calabria, some add pepper jam for a spicy kick, and both versions? Always a hit. These savory puff pastry recipes are crowd-pleasers, turning into gourmet finger foods—without the fuss.
The thing is, you get a sweet jam note, a moist onion bite, and that crispy pastry edge. Even if you're not into onions—trust me—these mild, sweet Tropea onions might just change your mind. When you're on the hunt for easy appetizer recipes or quick party snacks, these bites from Southern Italy are a no-brainer. They bring a unique flair to the table. Plus, they're just worth it. Hosting a gathering or just want something special? These bites capture the heart of Calabria and will totally impress your guests, for sure.
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INGREDIENTS
- Ingredients for 9 pastries
- Puff pastry 8.1 oz (230 g) - rectangular
- For a jar of onion jam (about 8.5 fl oz)
- Red Tropea onions 9 oz (250 g)
- Sugar ¼ cup (50 g)
- Brown sugar 4 tbsp (50 g)
- White wine 1 ½ tbsp (25 ml)
- Cognac 0.3 oz (7.5 ml)
- Bay leaves 1 leaf
- for brushing
- Eggs 1
How to prepare Puff Pastry with Onion Jam
To prepare the puff pastries with onion jam, start with the jam: peel the Tropea red onions and slice them thinly on a cutting board 1. Place the onion slices in a large bowl and add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and white (or rosé) wine 2. Also add the cognac, a bay leaf, and mix well to combine everything. Then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture rest for at least 6 hours in a cool and dry place, stirring occasionally 3.
After this time, transfer the mixture to a saucepan and boil over very low heat for about 25-30 minutes until it thickens 4. After 30 minutes, your jam should be ready 5: take a little of it with a teaspoon and let a drop fall onto a plate 6: if it remains compact, then your preserve is ready. If the drop is too liquid, continue cooking for the necessary time, stirring frequently. To best prepare the Tropea onion jam and understand how and how long to store it, consult the recipe Tropea Onion Jam.
Meanwhile, take the ready-made pastry 7 and transfer it to a floured work surface, then roll it out slightly with a rolling pin 8. Then cut out 3x3 inch squares with a pastry cutter 9.
Beat an egg 10 and brush the surface of the squares using a brush 11. With the leftover dough, create strips 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches long and attach them to the 4 edges of the pastry squares 12.
Brush these with the egg as well and decorate them by scoring them with a toothpick. Prick the bottoms of the squares 13 and bake in a preheated static oven at 356°F for 15 minutes until they are nicely golden 14; if using a convection oven, bake at 320°F for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove them and let them cool on a wire rack 15.
When they are cool, gently break the crust that has formed on the bottom of the squares with your fingertips 16 and fill each pastry with about 1 oz of Tropea onion jam 17. Once all the pastries are topped, serve and enjoy 18!