Description
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of this French Onion Tart—a rustic and budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for family dinners or any special occasion. With sweet caramelized onions and a creamy, savory custard filling encased in a flaky pastry shell, this tart is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you opt for a shortcrust or puff pastry, this French Onion Tart is easy to make and will impress your guests with its delicate flavors and gourmet appeal. Perfect as a main dish or side, it’s an ideal way to enjoy the comforting essence of French onion soup in a tart form.
Ingredients
For the Tart Filling:
4–5 medium onions (about 2 inches wide)
1 sheet shortcrust or puff pastry (See Notes below for pastry options)
1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing onions)
For the Savory Custard:
2 eggs
1 cup table cream (or heavy cream)
1 tablespoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Peel and slice the onions, setting them aside.
- Make the Savory Custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, table cream, thyme, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the pastry and fit it into a tart pan. Trim any excess and poke small holes into the base with a fork to prevent deforming during baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Blind Bake the Crust: Cover the pastry with parchment paper and fill it with beans or pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes. If you skip blind baking, just add the 15 minutes to the final baking time.
- Sauté the Onions: Heat butter in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions for 10-15 minutes, until caramelized and soft.
- Assemble the Tart: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the partially baked crust. Pour the savory custard mixture over the onions.
- Bake the Tart: Return the tart to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Pastry Options: Use a shortcrust pastry for a firm, classic base or puff pastry for a lighter, flakier texture. For an even lighter alternative, use filo pastry.
- Herbs: Add extra herbs like rosemary or parsley for more aromatic depth.
- Cheese: Mix in grated cheese such as Gruyère or Parmesan for a richer, creamier tart.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or leeks to elevate the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
