European > Belgian > Flemish

Flemish Asparagus and Ham Tart Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1 lb. fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch tart pan
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to fit the tart pan.
3. Place the pastry in the tart pan and trim the edges.
4. Arrange the asparagus and ham on top of the pastry.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the asparagus and ham.
7. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese on top.
8. Bake the tart for 30-35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set.
9. Let the tart cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 330
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 420mg
Sugar: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Puff pastry can be substituted with pie crust.
- Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese.
- Ham can be substituted with bacon or prosciutto.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the filling.
- Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or Parmesan.
- Add herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the filling.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to trim the asparagus to fit the tart pan.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash for a golden brown crust.
- Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out.

Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the tart in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the tart on a platter with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.

Garnishes:
- Garnish the tart with additional shredded cheese and chopped herbs.

Pairings:
- Serve the tart with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted carrots and parsnips

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pastry is not cooked through, cover the tart with foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the ham to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Food History:
- Flemish cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients such as asparagus and ham.

Flavor Profiles:
- The tart has a savory and creamy flavor from the ham, cheese, and egg filling.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the tart as a main dish for brunch or dinner.

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Region: Belgian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Creamy, Salty, Tangy