Savory Radicchio Tart
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 6
This savory radicchio tart is a delightful dish that combines the earthy flavors of radicchio with creamy, rich fillings and a crispy, buttery puff pastry base. The contrast of textures and flavors makes it a perfect addition to any meal, whether it’s for a light lunch, an elegant appetizer for dinner, or a tasty side dish at your next gathering. It’s easy to make yet impressively delicious, offering a balance of savory ingredients like Parmigiano Reggiano and Asiago cheeses, fresh spring onions, and a touch of freshly ground black pepper.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Radicchio | 500g |
| Puff Pastry (Pasta Sfoglia) | 230g |
| Fresh Spring Onion (Cipollotto) | 160g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Fresh Liquid Cream (Panna Fresca Liquida) | 125g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 50g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olio Extravergine d’Oliva) | 1 tbsp |
| Asiago Cheese | 50g |
| Salt (Sale Fino) | to taste |
| Black Pepper (Pepe Nero) | to taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and trimming the fresh spring onions. Slice them thinly into rounds. Set them aside for now.
Next, take the radicchio, wash it thoroughly, and remove any outer leaves that are too tough or damaged. Slice the radicchio into small pieces, but be sure to reserve about 10 whole leaves for decoration later. -
Prepare the Cheese: Cut the Asiago cheese into small cubes. This will provide a delightful bite and melt into the tart beautifully during baking.
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Cook the Onions and Radicchio: Heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced spring onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes, until they become soft and slightly golden.
Add the chopped radicchio to the pan, season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The radicchio will wilt and shrink as it cooks down. Once done, remove the mixture from the pan and transfer it to a bowl. -
Prepare the Filling: In the same bowl with the cooked vegetables, add the fresh cream and whole eggs. Use a whisk or spoon to mix the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. Grate the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and add it to the mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. This will give the tart its creamy, cheesy texture.
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Prepare the Tart Shell: Take a 24cm (9-inch) tart pan with a fluted edge and line it with the puff pastry sheet. Gently press the pastry into the bottom and edges of the pan to ensure it adheres well. Use your fingers to lightly press down the sides and edges to create a nice, even crust. Make sure there are no air pockets.
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Assemble the Tart: Pour the prepared filling into the pastry-lined tart shell, spreading it out evenly.
Now, take the reserved whole radicchio leaves and arrange them decoratively on top of the filling, gently pressing them into the surface. Between each leaf, place a few cubes of the Asiago cheese to melt during baking and add extra flavor. -
Bake the Tart: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) in static mode (conventional heat). Place the tart on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes. After this time, switch the oven to grill mode and let the tart cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crisp. The result should be a beautiful, golden-brown crust with a creamy, flavorful filling.
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Cool and Serve: Once the tart is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut. Serve the savory radicchio tart warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the blend of flavors and textures that make this dish so special.
Tips for Success:
- Radicchio: Radicchio can be a bit bitter, but when it is cooked down, its natural bitterness softens, blending perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Puff Pastry: If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-made puff pastry, which will save you effort and still yield a delicious tart.
- Customization: This recipe can be adapted by adding other ingredients such as caramelized onions or even nuts like walnuts for an added crunch.
This radicchio tart is a perfect option for any occasion, from casual dinners to more formal gatherings. The richness of the cheeses combined with the slight bitterness of the radicchio creates a harmonious dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this savory tart will make a standout addition to your meal, offering a flavorful and satisfying experience.
