Asparagus Tart

Photo Credit
Sam Jones/Quinn Brein
The Editors
Yield
one 9x9-inch tart
Category
Course
Preparation Method
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With just a few simple ingredients, this easy Asparagus Tart can make an impressive contribution to any brunch, lunch, or dinner table. For more ideas for using asparagus from the garden, check out these spring recipes that make the most of the season.

Ingredients
2 onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1-1/2 bunches asparagus, sliced in half lengthwise if spears are thick
Flaky Tart Dough
Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 to 5 ounces ricotta salata, feta, or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Instructions
  1. In a medium saute pan over medium heat, cook onions in 1 tablespoon butter until softened and translucent, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Do not brown. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. 
  2. Heat oven to 400°. 
  3. Trim asparagus to 4-inch-long pieces; discard bottoms. If spears are more than 1/3 inch thick, slice them in half lengthwise. 
  4. Roll out Flaky Tart Dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Line the bottom and sides of a 9x9-inch tart pan (with removable bottom) with dough. Trim and discard excess. 
  5. Layer onions on the dough. On top of onions, place asparagus in two rows, tips pointing in, nestling as many as will fit neatly. 
  6. Season with salt and pepper. 
  7. Cut the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter into small pieces and scatter on top of asparagus. 
  8. Bake 30 minutes. Remove from the pan and slide onto a small cutting board. 
  9. Using a vegetable peeler, slice cheese and place on tart. Serve warm.

Flaky Tart Dough

Ingredients
1-1/8 cups flour
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter
1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
  1. Place flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor fitted with a steel blade, and pulse to combine. 
  2. Add butter and pulse a few times, until butter pieces are about the size of peas. 
  3. Add half the water and pulse. Add remaining water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing, just until the dough comes together. 
  4. Form a ball and wrap the dough in plastic; place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes (or freeze for up to 3 months). 

Yield: dough for 1 tart

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The Old Farmer's Almanac Editors

We love introducing fun new recipes as well as time-tested recipes, straight from the archives! Read More from The Old Farmer's Almanac Editors