**Alsatian Onion Tart: A Savory Delight from the Heart of Europe**
Originating from the picturesque region of Alsace in northeastern France, the Alsatian onion tart is a culinary masterpiece that captivates the senses with its tantalizing aroma and delectable flavors. This traditional dish, also known as Tarte à l'Oignon Alsacienne, is a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage and its deep appreciation for simple, yet exquisite ingredients.
The Alsatian onion tart is characterized by its golden-brown, flaky crust that encases a generous filling of caramelized onions, bacon lardons, and a velvety custard made with eggs, cream, and milk. The caramelized onions, slow-cooked until they achieve a deep amber hue and a luscious sweetness, are the heart of the tart, providing a delightful contrast to the smoky bacon and the richness of the custard.
This savory treat is typically served warm, allowing the flavors and textures to meld together harmoniously. It can be enjoyed as a main course with a simple green salad or as a delectable appetizer at gatherings and celebrations.
In this comprehensive guide, we present two variations of the Alsatian onion tart. The first recipe follows the traditional Alsatian method, using a homemade yeast-based dough for the crust and a mixture of sautéed and caramelized onions for the filling. The second recipe offers a simplified version, utilizing a pre-made puff pastry sheet for convenience and a combination of sautéed onions and store-bought caramelized onion jam for a flavorful shortcut.
Whether you choose to embrace the traditional approach or opt for the simplified version, the Alsatian onion tart promises to delight your taste buds and transport you to the charming countryside of Alsace with every bite.
TARTE FLAMBEE (ALSATIAN BACON & ONION TART)
While this is a pizza almost everywhere else, in certain places on the German/French border, it goes by the totally dessert-sounding name of tarte flambée. Here we're using bacon, onions, and a creamy cheese mixture as toppings.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork Bacon Appetizers
Time 40m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place bacon in a skillet and cook over medium-high heat until cooked but not crisp and fat has rendered out, about 8 minutes. Drain in a strainer; reserve the fat.
- Place skillet back over medium heat. Add sliced onions. Cook briefly just until they lose their raw edge and soften up slightly, 3 to 5 minutes. Add a teaspoon or 2 of bacon fat if pan seems too dry. Remove skillet from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Mix fromage blanc, creme fraiche, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a mixing bowl.
- Place 1 ball of pizza dough on a well-floured surface. Flatten and roll out to a 10- or 12-inch thin circle. Transfer to a cold cast iron pan. Heat over medium-high heat to pre-cook the bottom of the crust. As dough heats and bubbles appear, deflate them with the tines of a fork so crust ends up thin and crisp (not chewy). When bottom is nicely browned and just about to start getting charred, 5 to 7 minutes, remove from heat. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Spread a generous amount of cheese mixture over the crust. Top evenly with some onions and then the bacon. Broil 5 or 6 minutes until edges are browned and starting to lift. Repeat for remaining tartes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 656.6 calories, Carbohydrate 71.7 g, Cholesterol 68 mg, Fat 26.9 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 27.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 1637.2 mg, Sugar 11.3 g
ALSATIAN ONION TART
From the Christmas Cookbook by Nanette Newman. Alsatian (Alsace) wine is a French dry white wine. I have included preparation for a homemade pastry tart, but feel free to use a pre-made one. Cooking time includes chilling time for pastry dough if making your own.
Provided by CulinaryQueen
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 1h30m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Sift the flour into a large bowl then rub in the butter with your (clean) fingers until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Mix the egg yolks with the salt and 3 tablespoons water. Stir into the flour, using a knife, to make a soft and smooth (but not sticky) dough. Add the extra tablespoon of water if the mixture is too dry.
- Pat the dough into a ball, wrap up in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 220C/425°F.
- Roll out the pastry on a floured surface and use to line a 10-inch tart pan.
- Prick the pastry all over with a fork and bake blind for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Lower the temperature of the oven to 190C/375F and place a baking sheet in the oven to heat.
- Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan. Add the onions, bay leaf, thyme, salt and pepper. Cover and cook gently until the onions are soft and transparent, stirring occasionally.
- Add the wine and simmer, uncovered, until all the liquid has evaporated.
- Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning.
- Whisk the eggs and cream together.
- Spread the onions into the pastry crust and pour in the egg mixture.
- Place on the hot baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- May be served hot or room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 527.5, Fat 34.3, SaturatedFat 16.1, Cholesterol 196.1, Sodium 71.7, Carbohydrate 42.3, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 3.8, Protein 9.1
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla.
- Slice the onions thinly so they cook evenly.
- Cook the onions slowly over low heat until they are caramelized and golden brown.
- Don't crowd the onions in the pan or they will steam instead of caramelizing.
- Use a good quality puff pastry dough. You can make your own or buy it from the store.
- Be sure to pre-bake the tart crust before adding the filling. This will help prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Grate the cheese finely so it melts evenly.
- Serve the tart warm or at room temperature.
Conclusion:
The Alsatian onion tart is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It's perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a formal party. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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