Are you looking for a quick dinner idea or a stunning appetizer that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This puff pastry and asparagus tart is a delicious dish perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a sophisticated gathering. It's a beautiful blend of flaky puff pastry, tender asparagus, and a creamy, flavorful filling. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly impressive and healthy meal. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this simple yet elegant recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. Toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 10-12 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
While the asparagus is roasting, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, minced garlic, and half of the Gruyère cheese in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in the thyme leaves.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Gently press it into a 9-inch tart pan or baking dish. Trim any excess pastry from the edges. Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork several times to prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Spread the roasted asparagus evenly over the pastry. Pour the egg mixture over the asparagus. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Puff Pastry and Asparagus Tart:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: When roasting the asparagus, make sure it's in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Blind baking (optional): For extra crispy pastry, you can blind bake the pastry crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. This involves lining the pastry with parchment paper and baking weights before baking.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Fontina, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses would also be delicious.
- Add some protein: Consider adding cooked bacon, crumbled sausage, or cooked chicken to make this a more substantial meal.
Variations:
- Spring Vegetable Tart: Substitute the asparagus with other spring vegetables like peas, green beans, or fava beans.
- Tomato and Basil Tart: Add sliced tomatoes and fresh basil for a Mediterranean twist.
- Mushroom and Spinach Tart: Use sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a savory and earthy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This puff pastry and asparagus tart recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are also easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions! It’s a recipe that showcases the beauty of simple homemade cooking and is guaranteed to impress. This easy recipe is sure to become one of your best recipes.