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Asparagus and Goat Cheese Tart

Puff pastry is thawed and topped with a savory mixture of sautéed onions, asparagus and goat cheese. These tarts can be made in advance.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Appetizer, brunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 package puff pastry 17.3 ounces/2 sheets puff pastry, defrosted
  • olive oil
  • 4 cups thinly sliced yellow onions 2 large onions
  • 3 large garlic cloves cut into thin slivers
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons dry white wine
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
  • 4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
  • 4 ounces garlic-and-herb goat cheese
  • 1 cup chopped, blanched asparagus
  • 12 large Basil leaves, julienned

Instructions

  • Unfold a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it lightly to an 11 by 11-inch square. Using a 6-inch round object as a guide, cut 2 circles from the sheet of puff pastry, discarding the scraps. Repeat with the second pastry sheet to make 4 circles in all. Place the pastry circles on 2 sheet pans lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium to low heat and add the onions and garlic. Saute for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are limp and there is almost no moisture remaining in the skillet. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, the wine, and thyme and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, until the onions are lightly browned. Remove from the heat.
  • Using a sharp paring knife, score a 1/4-inch-wide border around each pastry circle. Prick the pastry inside the score lines with the tines of a fork and sprinkle a tablespoon of grated Parmesan on each round, staying inside the scored border.
  • Place 1/4 of the onion mixture on each circle, again staying within the scored edge. Crumble 1 ounce of goat cheese on top of the onions. Scatter the Asparagus in the center of each tart. Sprinkle with basil, salt, and pepper. 
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. The bottom sheet pan may need an extra few minutes in the oven. Serve warm.