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Rustic Salted Tart: The Recipe for a Delicious and Streamlined Appetizer
If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant appetizer that will impress your guests without too much effort, look no further than the Rustic Salted Tart. This savory tart is packed with flavor, featuring a crisp, buttery crust and a salted filling that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a casual gathering, or just want a quick, delicious snack, this tart is the answer.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that feels like a gourmet treat. Let’s dive into the steps for making this easy-to-prepare and crowd-pleasing rustic tart.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 ½ cups crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese for a tangy variation)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling on top
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tart Crust
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key to a flaky tart crust is to keep the butter cold and not overwork the dough.
- Add ice water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough just begins to come together. You may need about 3-4 tablespoons depending on the humidity and the flour you’re using.
- Chill the dough: Gather the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out and prevent it from shrinking during baking.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Cook the onion: While the dough is chilling, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown. This step caramelizes the onions and enhances their natural sweetness.
- Add thyme: Stir in the fresh thyme and cook for an additional minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool.
- Make the custard: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Set this mixture aside.
3. Assemble the Tart
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rough circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Since this is a rustic tart, don’t worry about perfection—an uneven shape adds to the charm.
- Transfer the dough: Gently transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Carefully fold the edges of the dough up to form a rustic crust, leaving the center open for the filling.
- Fill the tart: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the center of the dough. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the onions. Then, pour the egg and cream mixture over the filling.
