Goat Cheese and Onion Tart
This classic French bistro dish is a delicious way to start a meal. Just as good at room temperature as it is hot, it’s a versatile appetizer that can be made ahead of time and even served as cocktail party fare. Thin rings of onion, caramelized until sweet and golden brown, are covered with a rich and eggy custard, topped with tangy crumbles of fresh goat cheese, and baked in a delicate crust much like a quiche. (In fact, this would also do very well at brunch!) Home-grown ingredients like local onions and a good American goat cheese, such as one from Coach Farm or California’s Laura Chenel, steer this tart from purely French to positively American. A cool salad of tender mesclun greens, lemony parsley, delicate chervil, and tarragon is tossed in a bright vinaigrette made with a reduction of fruity Pinot Noir. Plate the salad directly atop the tart so that each bite contains a bit of buttery crust, savory filling, and fresh herbs.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 8
Ingredients
Tart Dough
Filling
Herb Salad
Preparation
Step 1
To make the tart dough, combine the flour and salt in a food processor and pulse a few times to combine. Scatter the butter over the flour and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal, 6 to 8 pulses.
Step 2
With the machine running, add 1/4 cup ice water in a slow, steady stream through the feed tube. Pulse until the dough holds together without being wet or sticky. To test, squeeze a small amount together: If it holds together, it is ready. If it is crumbly, add up to 2 tablespoons more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Form the dough into a flat disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.
Step 3
Roll out the dough to a 12-inch round on a floured surface. Transfer to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim the dough overhang to 1 inch. Fold the overhang in and press it to the sides, forming a double-thick high-standing side. Pierce the crust all over with a fork. Freeze the crust for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 month.
Step 4
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step 5
Bake the crust on a baking sheet, piercing with a fork if the crust bubbles up in spots, until light golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, keeping the crust on the baking sheet. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
Step 6
To make the filling, melt the butter with the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Stir in the onions and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 45 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Step 7
Whisk together the eggs and cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth; then whisk in the cream, salt, and pepper.
Step 8
Arrange the onions evenly over the bottom of the tart shell. Pour the egg mixture over the onions and scatter the goat cheese over the top. Bake until the sides of the filling are slightly puffed and the center still jiggles slightly, about 40 minutes. Remove the tart from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Step 9
Slice the tart, top each wedge with some pesto, and serve with the herb salad.
Herb Salad
Step 10
Bring the wine to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and cook until thickened and reduced to 3 tablespoons, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Step 11
Combine the reduced wine, vinegar, and honey in a blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and blend until emulsified. The vinaigrette can be made 1 day in advance and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Step 12
Combine the greens, chervil, parsley, and tarragon in a large bowl, drizzle with the vinaigrette, and toss to combine.
