Savory Asparagus and Leek Tart
This Savory Asparagus and Leek Tart is a delightful dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of spring with tender asparagus and sweet leeks. To lighten up the classic recipe, we've replaced heavy whipping cream with low-fat milk, ensuring a creamy texture without the extra calories. Using a store-bought dairy case pastry saves time without sacrificing taste, making this tart perfect for a brunch gathering or a light dinner. It's beautifully layered with a mix of veggies and melted cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pie crust
1 (Pre-made, fit into a 9-inch tart pan)
Thin asparagus
3/4 lb (Cut into 6-inch spears)
Olive oil flavored cooking spray
As needed (For roasting asparagus)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
Leeks
1 lb (Chopped, using only the white part)
Fresh dill
1 teaspoon (Chopped)
Low-fat milk
1 cup (None)
Large eggs
2 (None)
Ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Salt
Optional (To taste)
Swiss or Gruyere cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded or grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Fit the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. If you're using rolled crusts, you typically don't need to roll them out further.
3
Press the pastry into the sides of the pan, then place it in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
4
Blind bake the crust for 15 to 17 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Once baked, allow to cool completely.
5
Spread the asparagus spears on a large jelly roll pan, spray with olive oil flavored cooking spray, and toss to coat. If desired, sprinkle lightly with salt.
6
Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool before transferring to a plate.
7
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the leeks and chopped fresh dill (and salt if using). Cover and cook over medium-low heat until the leeks are soft, about 5 to 6 minutes.
8
Transfer the leeks to a small bowl and set aside.
9
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together low-fat milk, eggs, cooked leeks, and ground pepper until well combined.
10
Pour the milk mixture into the cooled tart crust, then arrange the roasted asparagus on top. Sprinkle with your choice of Swiss or Gruyere cheese.
11
Bake the tart in the oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
12
Once done, allow the tart to cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before slicing.
13
Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Asparagus and Leek Tart?
This is a lightened-up spring dish featuring tender asparagus, sweet leeks, and cheese in a pastry crust.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
What kind of crust should I use?
A pre-made pie crust or store-bought dairy case pastry is recommended for a 9-inch tart pan.
How long should I freeze the pastry before baking?
Place the pastry in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up after pressing it into the pan.
What is the duration for blind baking the crust?
Blind bake the crust for 15 to 17 minutes or until it is golden brown.
How do I prepare the asparagus?
Use thin asparagus spears cut into 6-inch lengths.
How do I roast the asparagus?
Spread the spears on a jelly roll pan, spray with olive oil flavored cooking spray, and roast for 10 minutes.
Which part of the leeks should be used?
Use only the white parts of the leeks for this recipe.
How do I cook the leeks?
Sauté the chopped leeks in butter with fresh dill for 5 to 6 minutes until soft.
What ingredients make up the custard filling?
The filling is a mixture of low-fat milk, eggs, cooked leeks, and ground pepper.
How is this recipe made healthier?
It replaces heavy whipping cream with low-fat milk to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.
What types of cheese are recommended?
Swiss or Gruyere cheese are the best choices for this savory tart.
How long does the tart bake once the filling is added?
Bake the tart for approximately 30 minutes until the filling is set and the top is golden.
How long should the tart cool before serving?
Allow the tart to cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before slicing.
Can this tart be served at room temperature?
Yes, it is delicious whether served warm or at room temperature.
What pan size is best for this recipe?
A 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom is ideal.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires two large eggs.
What fresh herb is used in the filling?
One teaspoon of chopped fresh dill is added to the leeks.
Do I need to roll out the store-bought crust?
Usually, pre-made rolled crusts do not require additional rolling.
How much asparagus is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 pound of thin asparagus.
Is salt required in this recipe?
Salt is optional and can be added to the asparagus or the leek mixture to taste.
What amount of butter is used for the leeks?
Use one tablespoon of butter to sauté the leeks.
How much milk is used in the custard?
The recipe uses one cup of low-fat milk.
How many leeks should I buy?
You will need approximately one pound of leeks.
What is the purpose of the olive oil cooking spray?
It is used to lightly coat the asparagus spears before roasting.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetable-based savory tart.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, any well-melting Swiss-style cheese can be substituted.
When is the best time to serve this dish?
It is perfect for spring gatherings, brunches, or light dinners.
How much ground pepper is in the filling?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.
What is the amount of cheese needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded or grated cheese.