Butternut Squash and Fondue Pie With Pickled Red Chiles

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit/230 degrees Celsius. Grease and line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch/23-centimeter springform cake pan (tin) with parchment paper.

2. Step 2

   Add the vinegar, chile and ⅛ teaspoon salt to a small bowl, and set aside to pickle.

3. Step 3

   Add the butternut squash, cinnamon, 2 tablespoons oil, ½ teaspoon salt and plenty of pepper to a large bowl, and toss well to combine. Transfer squash to a parchment-lined baking sheet (tray) and arrange in one layer. Add the onion rounds to the same bowl along with 1½ teaspoons oil, ⅛ teaspoon salt and a good grind of pepper, and toss gently to coat, keeping the onion rounds intact. Add the onions to the baking sheet with the squash and roast for 30 minutes, carefully turning the vegetables over halfway (keeping the onions intact), until softened and well browned. Set aside to cool slightly. Turn the oven temperature down to 375 degrees Fahrenheit/190 degrees Celsius.

4. Step 4

   Meanwhile, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to a small skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the garlic and cook, stirring, until just beginning to color, about 90 seconds. Add the wine and chopped thyme and cook until reduced by half, 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

5. Step 5

   Add the cream, egg and egg yolks, cornstarch (cornflour), ½ teaspoon salt and plenty of pepper to a large bowl and whisk until smooth. Stir in both cheeses and the cooled wine mixture and set aside.

6. Step 6

   Lay one sheet of phyllo (filo) out onto a clean work surface and brush liberally with some of the melted butter. Lay the sheet over the prepared cake pan, carefully pushing it down to fit into the bottom and sides without tearing, allowing the excess to hang over the pan. Repeat with the remaining 6 sheets of phyllo, rotating them slightly so that the overhang falls at a different angle. Add two-thirds of the squash to the base along with 3 onion rounds, then pour the cheese mixture on top. Add the remaining squash and onion rounds and 3 thyme sprigs, pushing them gently into the cheese layer but not completely submerging them.

7. Step 7

   Bring in the overhanging phyllo dough, scrunching it so it creates a 1-inch/3-centimeter border around the sides, with the center exposed, taking care to make sure the parchment stays securely against the side of the pan. Brush the scrunched-up phyllo with the remaining melted butter.

8. Step 8

   Place onto a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Use a tea towel to carefully release the outer rim of the cake pan, discarding the parchment paper around the sides. Return the pie to the oven for another 20 minutes, or until the outsides are golden and cooked through. Set aside to cool for about 20 minutes.

9. Step 9

   To serve, transfer the pie to a board or serving platter. Spoon over the pickled chile mixture and garnish with the remaining 2 thyme sprigs.