Are you craving a sophisticated yet simple dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion? Look no further! This Pear Blue Cheese Tart is a culinary masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to make. The sweet and savory combination of ripe pears and tangy blue cheese, nestled in a flaky pastry crust, is a flavor explosion that will impress your family and friends. It's the perfect example of how delicious dishes can also be quick dinner ideas, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated. This recipe is a true testament to the beauty of simple, healthy meals.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 ripe but firm pears, cored and thinly sliced
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Making the Pastry Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Assembling and Baking the Tart:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange pears: Arrange the pear slices in a decorative pattern over the pre-baked tart crust.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Add blue cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly over the pears.
- Pour egg mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the pears and blue cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool: Let the tart cool slightly before removing it from the pan and slicing it.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of blue cheese and another cheese like goat cheese or Gruyere.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- If you don't have fresh thyme, you can substitute with a pinch of dried thyme.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of pears – Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett all work well.
- For a vegan option, substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. A general estimate is approximately 350-400 calories, 20-25g of fat, and 15-20g of protein per serving. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
This Pear Blue Cheese Tart is a delightful addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!