Spring is in the air and what better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious and easy-to-make tart? With just a few simple ingredients and less than an hour of prep and bake time, you can create a beautiful and flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends. All you need is some puff pastry, asparagus spears, lemon zest, goat cheese, and fresh thyme. So, let’s get started on making this delectable spring tart!
First, let’s talk about the star ingredient of this tart – asparagus. This versatile vegetable is a staple of springtime and is known for its delicate and fresh flavor. Not only is it delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal. Asparagus is a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate and chromium. It is also low in calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. While the oven is heating up, let’s prepare the asparagus. Take a bunch of asparagus spears and trim off the woody ends. Then, using a vegetable peeler, gently peel off the outer layer of the asparagus spears to reveal the tender and bright green flesh. This step is optional, but it will make the asparagus more tender and easier to eat.
Next, it’s time to work with the puff pastry. Puff pastry is a flaky and buttery dough that is perfect for making tarts, pies, and other pastries. It is readily available in most grocery stores, but if you have the time and skills, you can make your own from scratch. Take the puff pastry sheet and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. You want to roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness, making sure it is large enough to fit your baking sheet.
Now, place the rolled-out puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a 1-inch border around the edges of the pastry, making sure not to cut all the way through. This will create a crust for the tart. Then, prick the inside of the pastry with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much while baking.
It’s time to assemble the tart! Take the trimmed asparagus spears and lay them in a single layer on top of the puff pastry, within the scored border. Sprinkle some lemon zest over the asparagus, followed by crumbled goat cheese and fresh thyme leaves. The lemon zest adds a bright and tangy flavor, while the goat cheese adds a creamy and tangy element. The thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Once you have all the toppings on the tart, it’s time to bake it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the asparagus is tender. While the tart is baking, the aroma of the lemon zest and thyme will fill your kitchen, making it even more inviting.
When the tart is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, using a spatula, carefully flip the tart onto a serving platter. The asparagus spears will now be on top, creating a beautiful and colorful presentation. You can serve the tart as is, or you can drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
And there you have it – a beautiful and delicious spring tart that is sure to impress. The best part? It only takes less than an hour to make, including bake time. This means you can spend more time enjoying the tart with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
In conclusion, this asparagus, lemon, goat cheese, and thyme tart is the perfect dish to welcome the spring season. It is easy to make, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor. So, the next time you want to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a tasty meal, give this tart a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
