Appetizer > Italian Tarts

Pecorino di Moliterno and Caramelized Onion Tart Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 large onions, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Pecorino di Moliterno cheese, grated
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch tart pan
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Saute pan

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Roll out the pre-made pie crust and place it into a 9-inch tart pan. Trim the edges and prick the bottom with a fork.

3. In a saute pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes.

4. Add the balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the onions and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

5. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.

6. Sprinkle the grated Pecorino di Moliterno cheese over the onions.

7. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and nutmeg.

8. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and onions in the pie crust.

9. Bake the tart for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

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


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 356
Fat per serving: 27g
Saturated fat per serving: 14g
Cholesterol per serving: 167mg
Sodium per serving: 469mg
Carbohydrates per serving: 19g
Fiber per serving: 1g
Sugar per serving: 5g
Protein per serving: 9g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Pecorino di Moliterno cheese, you can use any other hard, salty cheese such as Parmesan or Asiago.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead.
- You can use any type of pie crust, including homemade or gluten-free.

Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta to the tart for a smoky flavor.
- Use different types of onions, such as red onions or shallots, for a different flavor profile.
- Add fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the egg mixture for extra flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to slice the onions thinly and cook them slowly over low heat to achieve the best caramelization.
- Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent a soggy crust.
- Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out.

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 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the tart on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.
- Cut the tart into small squares and serve as an appetizer.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze

Pairings:
- A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- A glass of dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- Garlic mashed potatoes

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 thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illness.
- Store any leftover tart in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food History:
- Pecorino di Moliterno is a type of Italian sheep's milk cheese that is aged for at least 6 months.
- Caramelized onions have been used in cooking for centuries, dating back to ancient Rome.

Flavor Profiles:
- The tart has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the caramelized onions and nutmeg.
- The Pecorino di Moliterno cheese adds a salty and tangy flavor to the tart.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the tart as a main course for lunch or dinner, or as an appetizer for a party or gathering.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Sweet, Tangy, Salty, Rich