Appetizer > Tart

Queso Castellano and Caramelized Onion Tart Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup Queso Castellano cheese, grated
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

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 lightly floured surface to fit the tart pan. Place the crust into the tart pan and trim the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
3. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the pie weights or dried beans and parchment paper. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, salt, black pepper, sugar, and dried thyme. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the onions are caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Sprinkle the grated Queso Castellano cheese over the bottom of the pre-baked crust. Add the caramelized onions on top.
7. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Pour the mixture over the onions and cheese.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 325
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 470mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 9g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Queso Castellano cheese can be substituted with Manchego cheese or any other hard, aged cheese.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.

Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the filling for a meatier version.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Gouda or Cheddar, for a different flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers to the filling for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to prick the bottom of the crust 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:
- Reheat the tart in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the tart on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley.
- Cut the tart into small squares for a party appetizer.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley.

Pairings:
- Serve the tart with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
- If the filling is not setting, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until set.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the onions until they are caramelized to prevent any raw onion flavor in the tart.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and discard after 3 days.

Food history:
- Queso Castellano is a hard, aged cheese from Castilla y León, Spain. It is made from sheep's milk and has a nutty, buttery flavor.

Flavor profiles:
- The tart has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the caramelized onions and nutty Queso Castellano cheese.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the tart as a main dish for dinner or as an appetizer for a party.

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Region: Spanish

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Sweet, Rich, Creamy