Name: Spring Asparagus Tart
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 sheet Frozen puff pastry, thawed; 1 lb Fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed; 1.5 cups Shredded Gruyère cheese; 0.5 cup Whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 tbsp Lemon zest; 1 tsp Fresh thyme, chopped; 1 unit Large egg (beaten with 1 tsp water); 0.5 tsp Sea salt; 0.25 tsp Black pepper; 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

"This elegant tart showcases the best of the season with tender asparagus spears nestled in a bed of melted Gruyère and creamy ricotta. Wrapped in a golden, flaky puff pastry crust, it’s a sophisticated yet simple dish that’s perfect for spring entertaining."

1 Ingredients

Qty	Item
1 sheet 250 g	Frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 lb 450 g	Fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
1.5 cups 150 g	Shredded Gruyère cheese
0.5 cup 120 g	Whole milk ricotta cheese
1 tbsp 6 g	Lemon zest
1 tsp 2 g	Fresh thyme, chopped
1 unit 50 g	Large egg (beaten with 1 tsp water)
0.5 tsp 3 g	Sea salt
0.25 tsp 1 g	Black pepper
1 tbsp 15 ml	Extra virgin olive oil

2 Instructions

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle approximately 10x12 inches and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1-inch border around the inner edge of the pastry, making sure not to cut all the way through. Prick the area inside the border several times with a fork.

Step 4. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, half of the Gruyère cheese, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 5. Spread the cheese mixture evenly across the pastry, staying within the scored border.

Step 6. Toss the trimmed asparagus spears with olive oil, then arrange them in a single layer over the cheese mixture. You can alternate heads and tails for a beautiful pattern.

Step 7. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the asparagus.

Step 8. Brush the 1-inch pastry border with the egg wash to ensure a golden finish.

Step 9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden and the asparagus is tender.

Step 10. Allow the tart to cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

·
Choose thin to medium asparagus spears for even cooking without the need for pre-blanching.
·
To prevent a soggy bottom, make sure to prick the center of the pastry thoroughly with a fork before adding toppings.
·
If your puff pastry becomes too soft or sticky, place it in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before baking to help it rise better.
·
For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle the finished tart with a small amount of balsamic glaze or hot honey.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Fontina, Emmental, or a sharp white cheddar work beautifully as substitutes for Gruyère.

Do I need to peel the asparagus?

If you are using very thick asparagus, you may want to peel the bottom half of the stalks with a vegetable peeler, but for standard spears, it is not necessary.

Can I make this tart in advance?

While it is best served fresh, you can prepare the tart up to the point of baking and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 4 hours.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for 5-8 minutes until the pastry is crisp again. Avoid the microwave as it will make the pastry soggy.

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