I remember the first time I tried a caramelized onion and goats cheese tart. It was at a cozy little café tucked away on a narrow street in London. The tart was warm, with the perfect balance of sweet onions and creamy, tangy cheese. It felt like the kind of dish you’d want to have in a slow, lazy afternoon with a cup of tea. It made me think-this is the kind of recipe you can master, and it’ll always make you feel like you’ve got a piece of gourmet magic in your kitchen.
Jamie Oliver’s version of this tart is an all-time favorite of mine. His approach is simple but full of flavor, making it a perfect recipe for both beginners and experienced home cooks. It’s an elegant dish but surprisingly easy to put together. Let’s dive into what makes this tart so irresistible and break it down, step by step.
Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart Recipe
This recipe is one of those dishes that feels impressive but is deceptively easy to make. Jamie Oliver’s method takes the classic caramelized onion tart and adds a tangy twist with the goats cheese. The base of the tart is a buttery pastry shell, topped with beautifully caramelized onions, and balanced with the creaminess of goats cheese.
What’s great about Jamie’s take on this recipe is how accessible it is. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients, but you still get that wow factor. You can serve this tart as a starter at dinner parties, or pair it with a salad for a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need for Jamie Oliver’s Caramelized Onion and Goats Cheese Tart:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry – This is the base of your tart. You can use store-bought to save time, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own.
- 4 large onions – These are the star of the show. Make sure they’re sliced thinly to get that sweet, caramelized texture.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil – For sautéing the onions.
- 1 teaspoon of sugar – This helps with caramelizing the onions and brings out their sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar – Adds a rich, tangy depth to the onions.
- 200g goats cheese – The creamy texture is key here. You want a smooth, spreadable goats cheese that will melt perfectly into the tart.
- 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme – This is the herb that brings a fresh, earthy flavor to the dish.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart
Making this tart is easier than you might think. Here’s how I’ve made it every time:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (or 400°F) to get things warmed up while you prepare your ingredients.
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Caramelize The Onions
- Slice the onions thinly.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
- After about 15-20 minutes, the onions should become soft and golden. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and thyme, then let it cook for another 5 minutes. The onions should be deep, sweet, and caramelized at this point.
- Prepare the pastry: While the onions are cooking, roll out your puff pastry onto a baking sheet. Prick it with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much while baking.
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Assemble The Tart
- Spread the caramelized onions evenly across the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Crumble the goats cheese over the onions.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is golden and puffed up and the cheese is beautifully melted.
- Final touches: Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle a bit more thyme over the top for a fresh pop of flavor. Serve warm!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in this tart plays a role in creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Puff Pastry: The flaky layers of puff pastry provide the base structure, while also contributing to the lightness of the dish. The butter content in puff pastry helps it to crisp up in the oven, creating that satisfying crunch.
- Onions: Onions are full of natural sugars that caramelize beautifully when cooked slowly over low heat. As they cook, they break down and release those sugars, giving the tart a natural sweetness that complements the tangy goats cheese.
- Goats Cheese: Goats cheese has a creamy and tangy profile, which contrasts the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the pastry. Its smooth texture melts perfectly into the tart, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Thyme: A little goes a long way. Thyme adds an herbal note that lifts the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
Expert Tips
If you want to take your tart to the next level, here are a few tips from me:
- Don’t rush the caramelizing process: Onions need time to cook down and release their sugars. Patience is key to achieving that deep, golden color.
- Chill your pastry before baking: If you can, let your puff pastry chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes before baking. This helps it puff up evenly and prevents it from shrinking.
- Use a mix of cheeses: For extra creaminess, try adding a bit of ricotta or cream cheese to the goats cheese. It makes the filling smoother and richer.
- Add a touch of honey: If you want a sweeter edge, drizzle a little honey over the top of the tart just before serving. It enhances the caramelized flavor of the onions.
Recipe Variations
This tart is super versatile, and you can switch things up to suit your preferences:
- Add roasted vegetables: Try adding roasted peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the tart for extra flavor and texture.
- Use different cheeses: If goats cheese isn’t your thing, brie, feta, or even a sharp cheddar work wonderfully in this tart.
- Make it vegetarian or vegan: To make it vegan, swap out the goats cheese for a vegan cheese alternative and use a plant-based puff pastry.
- Top with greens: Fresh arugula or spinach on top of the tart adds a peppery bite that balances out the richness of the cheese.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion and Goats Cheese Tart is the kind of recipe that’s easy to love. The balance of sweet onions and tangy cheese, wrapped in buttery pastry, makes it a comforting and elegant dish that works for almost any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a light lunch, or even just craving a snack, this tart has you covered.
FAQs
What Type Of Onions Are Best For This Tart?
You should use red onions. They become sweet and soft when caramelised, perfect for the tart.
Can I Make This Tart Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it before serving.
Can I Use A Different Cheese Instead Of Goat Cheese?
Absolutely! You can swap it for feta or ricotta if you prefer a different flavor.