Ingredients
- 1 sheet (about 9-10 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (optional, for deeper caramelization)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese (chevre), crumbled
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Gently caramelize the onions. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until deeply golden brown and very tender. For extra sweetness and depth, stir in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir in fresh thyme and season with black pepper. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare and fill the pastry. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut it into four equal squares or rounds. Transfer these to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a fork, gently prick the center of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Spoon an equal amount of the caramelized onion mixture onto the center of each pastry, staying within the pricked area.
- Top and bake to golden perfection. Crumble the soft goat cheese evenly over the caramelized onions on each tart. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden, puffed, and crisp, and the goat cheese is lightly golden at the edges. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
For best results, ensure your puff pastry is thoroughly thawed but still cold before handling. If making ahead, the caramelized onions can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling the tarts. Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of fig glaze after baking for an extra touch of gourmet elegance. These tarts are wonderful served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
