Tarte à l'Oignon Alsacienne
This delightful Alsatian Onion Tart, inspired by traditional recipes from the picturesque region of Alsace in France, offers a savory blend of caramelized onions, creamy filling, and a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for lunch or as a snack, this tart highlights the subtle flavors of Alsatian wine, thyme, and a touch of cream. Whether served hot or at room temperature, it's an excellent choice for festive gatherings or casual get-togethers. Accompany it with a crisp salad or a glass of dry white wine for a complete meal experience.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
9 ounces (Sifted)
Unsalted Butter
4 ounces (Cut into cubes)
Egg Yolks
2 (Raw, for dough and filling)
Salt
1 pinch (Generous)
Ice Cold Water
3-4 tablespoons (For dough)
Olive Oil
4 tablespoons (For cooking onions)
Onion
1 lb (Chopped)
Bay Leaf
1 (Whole)
Thyme
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Salt and Pepper
To taste
Alsatian Wine
5 ounces (Dry white wine)
Eggs
2 (For filling)
Single Cream
7 ounces (Light)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the pastry dough. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks, salt, and 3 tablespoons of ice-cold water. Stir this mixture into the flour mixture using a knife to create a soft, smooth dough. If the mixture feels dry, add the extra tablespoon of cold water gradually until the dough holds together without being sticky.
3
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
4
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 10-inch tart pan, ensuring an even thickness.
5
Carefully transfer the rolled pastry to the tart pan and press it into the sides. Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking, then bake blind for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
6
Reduce the oven temperature to 190°C (375°F) and place a baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
7
In a non-stick frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onions, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and gently cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent, about 10-15 minutes.
8
Once the onions are softened, pour in the Alsatian wine and continue to simmer uncovered until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste.
9
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and single cream until well combined.
10
Spread the cooked onions evenly over the pastry crust, then pour the egg and cream mixture on top, ensuring it covers the filling.
11
Carefully place the tart on the preheated baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
12
Let the tart cool slightly before serving. This tart can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for any occasion.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
35g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tarte à l'Oignon Alsacienne?
It is a traditional savory onion tart from the Alsace region of France, featuring caramelized onions, a creamy custard filling, and a flaky pastry crust.
Is this Alsatian Onion Tart vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat or fish products.
How many calories are in a serving of this tart?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What type of wine should I use for the onions?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of dry Alsatian white wine to enhance the traditional flavor.
How long does the pastry dough need to chill?
The dough should be refrigerated for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up before rolling.
What is the initial oven temperature for blind baking?
The oven should be preheated to 220°C (425°F) for the initial blind baking of the crust.
What is the baking temperature after adding the filling?
The oven temperature should be reduced to 190°C (375°F) for the final bake.
Can this tart be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be enjoyed hot, warm, or at room temperature, making it very versatile.
How do I prepare the onions for the tart?
The onions should be chopped and gently cooked in olive oil with herbs until soft and translucent before adding the wine.
Why should I prick the pastry base with a fork?
Pricking the base prevents the pastry from bubbling up during the blind baking process.
What size tart pan is recommended?
A 10-inch tart pan is ideal for this recipe.
What herbs are used in the filling?
The filling is seasoned with a bay leaf and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 27.5g of fat.
How much protein does a serving provide?
A serving of the tart provides 7.5g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 35g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many eggs are used in the custard filling?
The filling uses 2 whole eggs whisked together with single cream.
How many egg yolks are required for the dough?
The pastry dough requires 2 egg yolks to help create a soft and smooth texture.
What type of cream is best for this recipe?
Single cream, also known as light cream, is recommended for the filling.
How much flour is needed for the crust?
The recipe requires 9 ounces of sifted flour.
Can I make the dough by hand?
Yes, the recipe suggests rubbing cold butter into the flour using your fingertips.
What should I look for when cooking the onions?
Cook them for 10-15 minutes until they are soft and translucent, then simmer with wine until liquid evaporates.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used to make this tart.
How much fiber is in a serving?
There is approximately 1.25g of fiber per serving.
What are the suggested occasions for serving this tart?
It is perfect for festive gatherings, casual get-togethers, lunch, or as a snack.
Do I need to preheat a baking sheet?
Yes, placing the tart on a preheated baking sheet helps ensure the bottom of the crust cooks evenly.
How long is the final baking time?
The tart should be baked for 15 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
What should I serve as a side dish?
A crisp salad or a glass of dry white wine is an excellent accompaniment.
Does the recipe use olive oil or butter for the onions?
The onions are cooked using 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much onion is required?
You will need 1 pound of chopped onions for the filling.
Is the tart suitable for holiday recipes?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday recipe and is great for festive entertaining.