Savory Onion Cake with Cheese and Spices

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• • 10 g dry yeast
  • 10 g sugar

• • 200 ml warm water
  • 200 ml warm milk
  • 100 ml vegetable oil

• 650 g all-purpose flour
• 8 g salt

For the Filling:

• • 100 g cheese (grated, such as cheddar or gouda)

• • 3 medium onions (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt

• • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Steps to Make Savory Onion Cake

1. 1. Prepare the Yeast Dough:
      • • In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry yeast, sugar, 200 ml of warm water, and 200 ml of warm milk. Stir everything well until the yeast and sugar dissolve. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.
        • Once the yeast is ready, add 100 ml of vegetable oil to the mixture and stir to combine.
      • In a separate bowl, sift 650 g of flour and mix in 8 g of salt.
      • Gradually add the flour and salt mixture to the wet ingredients, using a spatula to mix until a dough forms. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky at this stage.

1. 1. Knead the Dough:
      • • Sprinkle a clean surface with flour and transfer the dough onto it.
        • Knead the dough with your hands for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to over-flour it, as this can make the dough tough.
        • Once the dough is smooth, shape it into a ball.

   2. Let the Dough Rise:
      • • Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil and place the dough ball inside. Turn the dough to coat it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
        • Cover the bowl with cling film or a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

   3. Prepare the Onion Filling:
      • • While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
        • Add the chopped onions to the skillet and sauté them until they become soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
      • Season the onions with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of chili powder (optional), and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are fragrant and lightly caramelized.
      • Once the onions are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.

1. 1. Grate the Cheese:
      • While the onion mixture is cooling, grate 100 g of cheese and set it aside. The cheese will add a delicious creamy layer to the onion cake.
   2. Assemble the Onion Cake:
      • • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and transfer it back to a floured surface.
      • Roll the dough out into a large rectangle or round shape, depending on your preferred cake form, to about 1 cm thickness.
      • Spread the sautéed onion mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the onion filling.

1. Shape the Cake:
   • • Carefully roll the dough from one side to the other (like a jelly roll) to enclose the filling, or fold it over in layers if you prefer a layered cake.
     • Once rolled or folded, transfer the cake onto a greased or parchment-lined baking tray.
     • Allow the assembled cake to rest for 10-15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 225°C (425°F).

2. Bake the Onion Cake:
   • • Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through.
     • Check the cake after 10 minutes and, if necessary, cover it with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

3. Serve the Onion Cake:
   • Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
   • Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It pairs well with a green salad or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.