It’s true: happiness comes from simple things, and is found when you least expect it. Just like this free-form french onion tart. Get ready for a slice of happiness!
You won’t even need a tart pan— a baking tray will do just fine; it’s a rustic caramelised onion tart recipe, you see. As for the ingredients, I’m sure they are already in your larder as they were in mine. And soon enough, with minimal effort (cutting up onions is the only hard work you’ll have to do) you’ll have before you an aromatic fetching golden yellow french onion tart that is simple remarkable.
All the flavours perform a staccato rhythm on your tongue, making it do a jig really — and instantly revealing that this is a phenomenal combination of flavours. The saltiness and the nuttiness in the cheese combine with the smoky tartness and sweetness of the onions — and when this soft, lightly crunchy and cheesy filling comes wrapped in a lovely light and buttery pastry, the textures take the sensation to a higher level.
The simplicity of this french onion tart does not prepare you or the complexity of the flavours. And when you’re caught up in that moment, you realise that you are happy. Happy to be savouring a simple yet truly remarkable french onion tart at home.
You can make the quick flaky pastry ahead of time or the previous night and keep it in the fridge. You could also make the filling and keep it in the fridge the previous night. The next day, you can just roll the quick flaky pastry out and assemble the filling and bake the tart.
This recipe calls for Cheddar cheese, bit if the taste is too strong for you, you can use Gruyère instead. It won’t take away from the aroma and the taste; it’ll only make the nutty flavour milder.
This french onion tart — that I’ve adapted this recipe from Easy Cooking | Baking — makes for a pretty filling brunch or great party food. Your guests will definitely not believe you when you list out the ingredients. Inexpensive, comforting, and great (especially when eaten the next day).
Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s go get a slice of happiness. And do let me know how it went by commenting below, or tagging me on Facebook with @notjustspice or using the hashgtag #notjustspice on Instagram.
- 4 large onions thinly sliced
- 175 g Cheddar cheese (6 oz) grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons muscovado sugar
- A little milk to brush the rim with
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
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Follow the instructions found here to make the quick flaky pastry.
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While the pastry chills, you can start with the filling: thinly slice the onions.
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Heat oil in a large frying pan or skillet and fry the onions for 10 minutes over medium flame.
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Add the white wine vinegar and sugar — mix it in, increase the flame, and continue to stir for 6 more minutes until the onions are a deep caramel colour.
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Let it continue to to cook for 5 more minutes, then turn of the heat and set aside to cool.
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Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/GM 6.
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Take the pastry out and roll out the pastry to a 35.5 cm / 14-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Then wrap it around your rolling pin and place it on a baking sheet.
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Now, sprinkle on half the grated cheese over the pastry, leaving a 5 cm / 2-inch border all around the edge.
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Spoon over the caramelised onions evenly over the cheese.
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Fold the edge of the pastry over onto the edge of the filling, and brush it with some milk.
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Sprinkle the pepper and salt.
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Over this, sprinkle the remainder of the cheese and bake for 28 minutes.
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Remove the french onion tart from the baking sheet and transfer it to a large plate and serve immediately.
If the taste of Cheddar cheese is too strong for you, you could use Gruyère instead. You could also add a little grated nutmeg before you top the pastry with the caramelised onions.
Related Link:
How To Make Quick Flaky Pastry (notjustspice)
I need to try this as soon as possible! I’m salivating right now.
Hahaaa! Thank you, Jessica. Yes, you should try it soon!