Hello, lovely readers!
I hope this post finds you all well and ready to dive into the comforting world of cooking at home. With autumn’s crisp air starting to settle over the UK, I find myself gravitating towards hearty dishes that bring warmth to the dinner table. Today, I want to share with you a recipe that perfectly embodies savory comfort — a Hearty French Onion Tart with Thyme and Gruyère.
You know those moments when the delicious aroma of caramelizing onions fills the kitchen, and everyone in the house keeps wandering in to see what’s cooking? That’s exactly what you can expect when you start making this tart. It’s one of those dishes that not only indulges your senses during preparation but also rewards you with each flavorful bite.
The star of the dish, of course, is the onion. Caramelizing onions is a bit of a meditative process for me; it requires patience, but the rich, sweet result is well worth the time spent stirring and watching them gradually turn golden brown. And when you couple that with fresh thyme and a touch of balsamic vinegar, the flavor profile becomes truly unforgettable.
Let’s not forget the supporting cast — Gruyère cheese adds a gloriously nutty and creamy dimension that pairs perfectly with the delicate sweetness of the onions. And speaking of cheese, have you ever noticed how the melty, slightly crisp edges of cheese on a tart seem almost like a special reward for being the cook that day? It surely brings a smile to my face!
The beauty of this onion tart is its versatility — it can be a standout star at a weekend brunch, a delightful lunch paired with a green salad, or a comforting dinner on a weeknight. Even Phillipa, while not quite ready to eat it just yet, seems to enjoy watching the magic unfold in the oven.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or someone who is just starting to explore the world of culinary delights, this tart is an unfussy yet delicious foray into French-inspired cooking. The process from start to finish is like a heartwarming hug — simple ingredients coming together to create something far greater than the sum of their parts.
I hope you give this recipe a try and let the comforting flavors fill both your kitchen and your hearts. Until next time, happy cooking and enjoy sharing this savory delight with your loved ones!
Bon appétit!
Ingredients
– 1 sheet of ready-made puff pastry (approx. 320g)
– 3 large onions (approx. 600g), thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 100g Gruyère cheese, grated
– 100ml double cream
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized.
3. Add the fresh thyme and balsamic vinegar to the onions, stir well, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit a 23cm (9-inch) tart tin. Gently press the pastry into the tin, trimming any excess from the edges.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and double cream. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the pastry base. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese on top.
7. Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the onion and cheese.
8. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
10. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your hearty French onion tart!
