Savory > Tart

Meia Cura and Onion Tart Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Meia Cura cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream

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

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse sand.

2. Add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle that's about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to the tart pan and press it into the bottom and sides. Trim the excess dough and prick the bottom all over with a fork.

5. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

6. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Stir in the thyme and black pepper and remove from heat.

7. In a small bowl, whisk together the Meia Cura cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and heavy cream.

8. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the bottom of the tart crust. Pour the cheese mixture over the onions.

9. Bake the tart for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.

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


Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 365
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 142mg
Sodium: 354mg
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 9g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Meia Cura cheese can be substituted with any semi-hard cheese, such as Gouda or Cheddar.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the onion mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, instead of thyme.
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the filling for a meaty version.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold when you're making the dough, as this will help create a flaky crust.
- Don't overwork the dough, as this can make it tough.
- Blind-baking the crust before adding the filling will help prevent a soggy bottom.
- Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing, as this will make it easier to cut.

Storage instructions:
Leftover tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat slices of the tart in the 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 leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.

Garnishes:
Fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley.

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

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Grilled asparagus
- Mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is too dry, add a tablespoon of ice water at a time until it comes together.
- If the filling is too runny, bake the tart for a few more minutes until it's set.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the onions until they're fully caramelized to avoid any raw onion flavor.

Food history:
Tarts have been a popular dish in European cuisine for centuries, with savory tarts being a staple in French cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
This tart has a buttery, flaky crust filled with sweet and savory caramelized onions and a creamy, cheesy filling.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this tart as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as an appetizer for a party or gathering.

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Region: Portuguese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Sweet, Oniony, Herbal