Caramelized Shallot and Garlic Parmesan Tart
This indulgent caramelized shallot and garlic tart with a parmesan-infused puff pastry crust is a savory twist on the traditional sweet tarte tatin. This dish is a must-try for onion and garlic enthusiasts and offers stunning visual appeal with its glistening, caramelized shallots and roasted garlic. The shallots and garlic caramelize in a buttery balsamic glaze before being topped with a rich, flaky parmesan pastry. Once baked to perfection, the tart is inverted to reveal a mesmerizing golden caramel layer nestled on a crispy, cheesy base. Ideal as a center-stage side dish or a tantalizing vegetarian main, this recipe is inspired by English chef Brian Glover’s culinary expertise with alliums. Note that prep and cooling time are needed in addition to baking.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
puff pastry
300 g (thawed)
unsalted butter
1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons (divided)
parmesan cheese
75 g (freshly grated)
shallots
500 g (whole and peeled)
garlic cloves
12-16 (peeled and left whole)
caster sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
water
3 tablespoons (none)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped, plus a few extra sprigs for garnish)
salt & fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle. Spread 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over it, leaving a 2.5 cm border. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
2
Fold the bottom third of the pastry up to cover the middle, then fold the top third down. Seal the edges, give the pastry a quarter turn, and roll it into a rectangle again. Repeat the folding process and chill for 30 minutes.
3
In a 23-25 cm round heavy ovenproof pan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add peeled whole shallots and garlic cloves. Cook until lightly browned all over.
4
Sprinkle the sugar over the shallots and garlic. Increase the heat slightly and allow the sugar to caramelize, then gently turn the shallots and garlic to coat them.
5
Pour in the balsamic vinegar, water, and chopped thyme. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
6
Cover the pan partially and cook for 6-8 minutes, until the garlic cloves are just tender. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
7
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
8
Roll out the chilled pastry to match the diameter of the pan. Lay it over the cooled shallots and garlic. Gently prick the pastry with a knife to allow steam to escape.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
10
Allow the pan to cool for 5-10 minutes, then carefully invert the tart onto a serving platter.
11
Garnish with extra thyme sprigs, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Caramelized Shallot and Garlic Parmesan Tart?
It is an indulgent savory tart featuring caramelized shallots and roasted garlic in a buttery balsamic glaze, topped with a parmesan-infused puff pastry crust.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is described as a tantalizing vegetarian main or a center-stage side dish.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed to provide 5 servings.
What type of pastry is used for this tart?
The recipe uses 300 grams of thawed puff pastry.
How is the parmesan cheese incorporated?
Freshly grated parmesan is sprinkled over a layer of butter on the rolled-out puff pastry, which is then folded and chilled to create a cheesy crust.
What amount of shallots is required?
You will need 500 grams of shallots, which should be whole and peeled.
How many garlic cloves are used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 12-16 peeled whole garlic cloves.
What ingredients make up the caramel glaze?
The glaze consists of unsalted butter, caster sugar, balsamic vinegar, water, and fresh thyme.
How long should the pastry be chilled?
The prepared parmesan puff pastry should be chilled for 30 minutes before use.
What size pan is recommended for baking?
A 23-25 cm round heavy ovenproof pan is ideal for this recipe.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 190°C (375°F).
How long does the tart take to bake?
The tart should be baked for 25-35 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Why should I prick the pastry before baking?
Pricking the pastry with a knife allows steam to escape while the tart bakes.
How long should the shallots and garlic cook before the pastry is added?
They should be cooked until the garlic cloves are just tender, which takes about 6-8 minutes after adding the liquids.
Should the filling be hot when the pastry is placed on top?
No, the pan should be removed from the heat and the shallots and garlic allowed to cool to room temperature first.
How do you finish the tart after baking?
Allow the pan to cool for 5-10 minutes, then carefully invert the tart onto a serving platter to reveal the caramelized layer.
Who is the culinary inspiration for this dish?
This recipe is inspired by English chef Brian Glover’s culinary expertise with alliums.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
Fresh chopped thyme is used in the glaze, and extra sprigs can be used for garnish.
How much butter is needed for the entire recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Can I use regular sugar?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of caster sugar for the caramelization process.
What is the visual appeal of this tart?
It features a mesmerizing golden caramel layer of glistening shallots and garlic on a crispy, flaky base.
What type of vinegar is used?
One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar is used to deglaze the pan and add depth to the caramel.
How much parmesan cheese do I need?
You will need 75 grams of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be peeled but left whole.
Is the tart served hot or cold?
The tart is best served warm.
What should I do if the sugar is not caramelizing?
According to the instructions, you should increase the heat slightly after sprinkling the sugar over the shallots and garlic.
How do I prepare the puff pastry layers?
Roll it into a rectangle, spread butter and cheese, fold into thirds, turn, roll, and repeat the folding process.
What is the first step in cooking the vegetables?
The first step is melting 3 tablespoons of butter and browning the whole shallots and garlic cloves.
How much water is added to the glaze?
Three tablespoons of water are added along with the balsamic vinegar and thyme.
What seasonings are suggested?
Salt and fresh ground pepper should be added to taste during the cooking process.