Anchovy Tart is a savory and flavorful dish that combines the briny taste of anchovies with the sweetness of caramelized onions. This recipe yields a delicious tart that serves six people and makes a delightful appetizer or a light lunch option. The tart features a buttery and flaky shortcrust pastry base, topped with golden onions and adorned with diamond-shaped arrangements of anchovy fillets. The tanginess of the anchovies pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the onions, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The tart is finished with halved black olives, a sprinkle of fennel, and a twist of freshly ground black pepper for added depth and aroma. Baked to perfection, the Anchovy Tart is best served hot and accompanied by a refreshing tomato salad.
INGREDIENTS:
- Butter for greasing
- 350g/12oz shortcrust pastry
- 300g/11oz onions, chopped
- 90ml/3 1/2fl oz olive oil
- 10 anchovy fillets in oil, drained
- 7 black olives, pitted and halved
- 1 teaspoon dried fennel
- Freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6. Grease a baking sheet with butter.
- Roll out the shortcrust pastry to a 20cm/8in square, about 5mm/1/2in thick. Place it on the greased baking sheet and roll the edges to create a rim. Prick the dough all over with a fork.
- In a frying pan, heat 75ml/3fl oz of olive oil and fry the chopped onions until golden. Spread the onions evenly over the pastry.
- Soak the anchovy fillets in water for a few minutes, then rinse and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
- Arrange the anchovy fillets over the onions in a diamond shape pattern. Decorate each diamond with the halved black olives. Sprinkle the tart with freshly ground black pepper, dried fennel, and drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top.
- Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and cooked through.
- Serve the Anchovy Tart immediately, ideally accompanied by a tomato salad.
YIELD:
- Serves 6
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- When rolling out the shortcrust pastry, make sure to flour the surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- To achieve a crisp and golden crust, prick the pastry all over with a fork before adding the toppings.
- Caramelizing the onions until golden adds sweetness and depth to the tart.
- Soaking and rinsing the anchovy fillets helps to remove excess saltiness, ensuring a balanced flavor in the final dish.
- The diamond-shaped arrangement of the anchovy fillets adds an elegant touch to the tart’s presentation.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper and fennel according to your taste preferences.
TIPS:
- Serve the Anchovy Tart as an appetizer at dinner parties or as a light lunch option with a side salad.
- Enhance the flavors of the tart by adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese before baking.
- Experiment with different types of olives, such as Kalamata or green olives, to add variation in taste and appearance.
- Accompany the tart with a fresh tomato salad dressed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Anchovy Tart is a delicious and savory dish that showcases the unique flavor of anchovies and the caramelized sweetness of onions. With its buttery and flaky shortcrust pastry base, this tart is a delight to the taste buds. The combination of the tangy anchovies, golden onions, and aromatic fennel creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The diamond-shaped arrangement of anchovy fillets adds an elegant touch to the presentation, making it an impressive appetizer or a light lunch option.
The Anchovy Tart is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, allowing the flavors to meld together and the pastry to be crisp and golden. Serve it as the star of a gathering or pair it with a refreshing tomato salad for a complete meal. The versatility of this tart allows for personalization by adding additional ingredients such as cheese or herbs.
Whether you’re a fan of anchovies or looking to explore new flavors, this Anchovy Tart is sure to be a hit. Impress your guests with its delightful taste and beautiful presentation. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion where you want to savor the unique flavors of anchovies in a savory tart.
