Onion tart is a classic dish that combines the sweet, caramelized flavor of onions with the richness of a creamy filling, all nestled in a flaky pastry crust. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a satisfying lunch when served with a lightly dressed salad. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating a delicious onion tart that’s sure to impress your family and guests.
Onion tart is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the herbal freshness of thyme, all enveloped in a buttery pastry crust. It’s a versatile and satisfying recipe that can be tailored to your taste by experimenting with different herbs. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or pair it with a salad for a complete meal, this onion tart is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
SERVES 8
INGREDIENTS:
- ½ recipe Basic Pie Dough or 1 (9-inch) frozen pie crust
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups thinly sliced onions
- 3 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves or another herb of your choice (such as oregano or tarragon)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup half-and-half
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out the pie dough to create a 10-inch disk, and carefully fit it into a 9-inch tart pan or pie plate. Trim any excess dough from the edges or crimp it decoratively. To prevent the crust from puffing up during baking, lightly prick the bottom with a fork in several places. If you’re using a frozen pie crust, follow the package instructions for blind baking.
- Blind Bake the Crust: Line the pie shell with a sheet of waxed paper and fill it with pie beads or dried beans. Blind bake the crust until it becomes lightly browned, approximately 15 minutes. Once done, allow it to cool on a rack.
- Prepare the Onion Filling: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and the fresh thyme or your chosen herb. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and take on a light brown color, which should take around 15 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for an additional minute. Transfer the onion mixture to a mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Filling: In the mixing bowl with the onions, combine the half-and-half, sour cream, beaten eggs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Bake the Tart: Pour the onion and filling mixture into the parbaked pie shell. Place the tart in the center of the oven and bake until the filling is set and lightly browned on top, which should take about 35 minutes.
With its harmonious blend of caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and a creamy filling, this onion tart is a versatile and flavorful addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or a light lunch, it’s bound to impress your family and guests. Experiment with different herbs to make this tart uniquely yours, and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness of this delightful dish.
