French Onion Tart Recipe
Discover the delightful flavors of a classic French Onion Tart, a perfect appetizer that harmoniously blends the sweetness of caramelized red onions with a buttery, flaky pastry. This tart is not only easy to prepare but also impressively elegant, making it an ideal addition to any gathering or dinner party. Let’s embark on this culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests craving for more!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red onions | 750 grams, thinly sliced |
| Balsamic vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | A pinch or two (to taste) |
| Fresh thyme leaves | A few sprigs |
| Lemon | 1, juiced |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
| Chilled butter | 150 grams, cubed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Chilled water | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Cuisine: Continental
- Course: Appetizer
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:
Begin by making the pastry dough, the foundation of this delectable tart. In a wide mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and the tablespoon of sugar. Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the chilled water, a little at a time, and knead until you achieve a smooth, pliable dough. Once ready, wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate it for about 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
While the dough is chilling, it’s time to prepare the star of the tart—the caramelized onions. In a wide pan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and sweat them gently, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and the tablespoon of sugar over the onions to aid in the caramelization process. Continue cooking until the onions are beautifully softened and evenly browned, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
Once the onions are caramelized, add the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and fresh thyme leaves to the pan. Increase the heat to high and allow the mixture to boil for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly. Remove the pan from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Assemble the Tart:
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (about 400 degrees Fahrenheit). Line a tart pan with parchment paper, ensuring it fits snugly.
Remove the chilled pastry dough from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Once slightly softened, divide the dough into equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion to a thickness of about 2-3 mm. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the prepared tart pan, trimming any excess at the edges.
Place a sheet of parchment paper over the dough and fill it with uncooked beans or pie weights—this step prevents the tart from puffing up during baking. Transfer the tart pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until you notice light golden spots forming on the dough.
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the parchment paper and the beans, and then fill the tart shell with the cooled caramelized onion mixture. Sprinkle a little more salt and freshly cracked pepper over the top, along with some additional thyme leaves for extra flavor.
4. Bake the Tart:
Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing it to become golden and crisp. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, teasing your taste buds!
5. Serve:
Once baked to perfection, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve your French Onion Tart warm, accompanied by a side of tomato ketchup for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Enjoying Your Culinary Creation
With its rich flavors and delightful textures, this French Onion Tart is a wonderful way to showcase your culinary skills while providing a comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Pair it with a light salad or enjoy it on its own as a delicious snack. Bon appétit!
