Appetizer > Savory Tarts > French Savory Tarts

MacDonnells Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Tart Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 4 ounces of goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
- Parchment paper
- Baking beans or pie weights

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to fit the tart pan. Place the pastry into the pan and trim the excess dough. Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork.

3. Line the pastry with parchment paper and fill with baking beans or pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes.

4. Remove the parchment paper and baking beans or pie weights. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

5. While the pastry is baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes.

6. Add the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to the onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

7. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the baked pastry. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and chopped thyme over the onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Bake the tart for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 290
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 220mg
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 7g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Puff pastry can be substituted with pie crust or phyllo dough.
- Red onions can be used instead of yellow onions.
- Feta cheese can be used instead of goat cheese.
- Rosemary or oregano can be used instead of thyme.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the caramelized onions.
- Top the tart with sliced tomatoes before baking.
- Use different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or cheddar.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork before baking to prevent it from puffing up.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the tart into slices.
- Serve the tart warm or at room temperature.

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

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the tart, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the tart on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh thyme on top.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley.

Pairings:
This tart pairs well with a green salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the pastry is not cooked through, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the onions until they are caramelized and soft to ensure they are fully cooked.

Food history:
Tarts have been a popular dish in Europe since the Middle Ages. They were originally made with meat and vegetables and were often served at banquets.

Flavor profiles:
This tart has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the caramelized onions and brown sugar. The goat cheese adds a tangy and creamy element, while the thyme adds an earthy and aromatic flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this tart as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Creamy, Sweet, Caramelized, Herby