Imagine a culinary masterpiece that combines the rich, sweet depths of caramelized onions, the earthy umami of perfectly sautéed mushrooms, and the buttery, flaky embrace of golden puff pastry. This French-inspired tart is not just a recipe; it's a gastronomic experience that transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated dish that will transport you straight to a cozy Parisian bistro. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet lunch, this Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Tart is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator 30 minutes before preparation to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until they become deeply golden and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high and add sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently unfold the puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a knife, score a 1-inch border around the edge of the pastry without cutting completely through.
- Spread the caramelized onions evenly within the scored border of the pastry.
- Distribute the sautéed mushrooms over the onions.
- Sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese evenly across the tart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
- Slice into squares and serve warm as an appetizer or light main course.
Tips
- Patience is key when caramelizing onions - low and slow is the secret to achieving that deep, golden sweetness.
- Use a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini and shiitake for a more complex flavor profile.
- Make sure your puff pastry is at room temperature to ensure even baking and maximum flakiness.
- Don't skip scoring the pastry border - this helps create a beautiful, defined edge and prevents the center from becoming soggy.
- For extra richness, you can add a light spread of Dijon mustard on the pastry before adding the onions.
- Fresh thyme is crucial - it adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the rich flavors.
- Let the tart rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.
- Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the tart's richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 35mg
