Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces Hirtenkäse cheese, crumbled
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch tart pan
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Pie weights or dried beans
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pre-made pie crust on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Place the rolled-out crust into a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it firmly into the bottom and sides. Trim the excess dough from the edges.
3. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the crumbled Hirtenkäse cheese over the onions.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, and dried thyme. Pour the egg mixture over the onions and cheese in the tart crust.
7. Bake the tart for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
8. Allow the tart to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 9g
Sodium: 270mg
Sugar: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Hirtenkäse cheese can be substituted with feta cheese or goat cheese.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Top the tart with sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers before baking.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as Gruyere or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be patient when caramelizing the onions - it takes time to get them golden brown and sweet.
- Blind-baking the crust before adding the filling helps prevent a soggy bottom.
- Let the tart cool slightly before slicing to make it easier to cut.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover tart can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the tart, place it in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the tart on a platter with fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, sprinkled over the top.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle extra crumbled Hirtenkäse cheese over the top of the tart before serving.
Pairings:
This tart pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
- If the filling is not setting, bake the tart for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the onions until they are fully caramelized to prevent any raw onion flavor.
- Store leftover tart in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food History:
Tarts have been a popular dish in Europe for centuries, with savory tarts like this one being a staple in German cuisine.
Flavor Profiles:
This tart has a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile, with the caramelized onions and Hirtenkäse cheese adding depth and richness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this tart as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish for a brunch or holiday gathering.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: German