Caramelized Onion Tart with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Indulging in the delightful flavors of a Caramelized Onion Tart with Ricotta Cheese brings a touch of French cuisine to your table, making it a perfect choice for appetizers at holiday parties or gatherings. The combination of sweet, caramelized onions paired with creamy ricotta and a flaky crust results in a savory tart that will captivate your guests and make their taste buds dance. Let’s dive into this recipe that takes you on a culinary journey while ensuring an enjoyable cooking experience!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Pie Crust | 1 (prepared and refrigerated dough) |
| Onions | 800 grams (thinly sliced) |
| Ricotta Cheese | 200 grams |
| Red Chili Flakes | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | For cooking |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Servings: 6
Cuisine
- Cuisine: French
- Course: Appetizer
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions
To begin your culinary adventure, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and generously grease a baking sheet with butter. The first step in creating this exquisite tart is caramelizing the onions.
- Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pan, pour a good amount of extra virgin olive oil and heat it over moderate heat.
- Add Onions and Seasoning: Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced onions, sprinkle in some salt, and if you desire, toss in a few sprigs of rosemary for added flavor. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the onions are well-coated with the oil and seasoning.
- Cook Covered: Cover the pan and let the onions cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.
- Caramelize the Onions: After the initial cooking period, reduce the heat to moderately low. Allow the onions to continue cooking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even caramelization. You’re looking for the onions to turn golden brown and become sweet and tender, with a rich aroma filling your kitchen.
Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool while you prepare the pie crust.
Step 2: Preparing the Pie Crust
To create a beautiful and flaky pie crust that will serve as the base of your tart, follow these steps:
- Flour Your Surface: Generously flour your work surface to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for an easy rolling process.
- Roll Out the Dough: Take the chilled pie crust from the refrigerator and place it on the floured surface. Using the heel of your palms, press down on the dough to flatten it slightly. Gradually stretch the dough outward, and then take a rolling pin to roll it out into a large round, approximately ¼ inch thick.
- Transfer the Crust: Carefully transfer the rolled-out crust to the greased baking sheet. It’s okay if it overlaps the edges; you can trim any excess later.
Step 3: Assembling the Tart
Now that you have your pie crust ready, it’s time to assemble your tart.
- Spread the Onions: Evenly spread the caramelized onions over the pie crust, leaving a 1.5-inch border around the edges.
- Optional Rosemary: If you love the aromatic flavor of rosemary, feel free to sprinkle some more over the onions for extra taste.
- Fold the Edges: Gently fold the edge of the dough up and over the filling, creating a rustic border around your tart.
Step 4: Baking the Tart
With the tart assembled, it’s time to bake:
- Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the crust to be richly browned on the bottom and sides, achieving that perfect flaky texture.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the tart is baked to perfection:
- Add Ricotta and Chili Flakes: Remove the tart from the oven and immediately sprinkle the ricotta cheese generously over the warm onions. Follow this with a liberal sprinkle of red chili flakes to add a little heat and flavor.
- Slice and Serve: Allow the tart to cool for a few moments before slicing it into wedges. This dish is best served warm or at room temperature, making it a fabulous addition to your holiday gatherings.
Enjoying Your Caramelized Onion Tart
Your Caramelized Onion Tart with Ricotta Cheese is now ready to be enjoyed! The combination of sweet, caramelized onions melded with the creamy ricotta, enhanced by a hint of heat from the chili flakes, creates a savory experience that is sure to delight everyone at the table. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or as part of a larger spread to impress your guests with this elegant yet straightforward French-inspired appetizer.
Gather your loved ones around the table and indulge in the culinary masterpiece you’ve created, bringing warmth and joy to your dining experience, one slice at a time!
