This Moist Leek Tart with Gruyère and Onions combines the rich, creamy flavors of Gruyère cheese with the delicate sweetness of caramelized leeks and onions, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s an elegant and simple dish that can be served as a light lunch, a side dish, or even as a savory appetizer for your next gathering. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family meal or a special event, this tart is sure to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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For the Pastry:
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180 grams all-purpose flour
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Pinch of salt
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90 grams cold unsalted butter, cubed
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60 ml chilled water
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For the Filling:
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2 leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced
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1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
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30 grams unsalted butter (or olive oil)
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2 large eggs
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120 ml thick cream (heavy cream or half-and-half)
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1 teaspoon regular salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
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35 grams Gruyère cheese, shredded
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Directions
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Prepare the Pastry:
In a food processor, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles crumbs. Gradually add chilled water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. Roll the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least an hour. -
Prepare the Tart Shell:
After chilling, roll the dough out onto lightly floured baking paper. Line your tart pan with the pastry, and prick the base with a fork. Chill for another 30 minutes, then freeze for 15 minutes before blind baking in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool. -
Cook the Leeks and Onions:
In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté leeks, onions, and garlic for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. -
Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and cumin (optional). Stir in the sautéed leeks and onions, followed by the grated Gruyère cheese. -
Assemble the Tart:
Pour the leek and cheese mixture into the pre-baked tart shell. Bake for 25-35 minutes at 350°F (180°C) until the filling is set and golden on top. -
Serve:
Let the tart cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 380 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 24 g
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Protein: 12 g
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Fat: 28 g
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Saturated Fat: 16 g
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Sodium: 570 mg
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Potassium: 274 mg
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sugar: 5 g
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Vitamin A: 1100 IU
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Vitamin C: 6 mg
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Calcium: 250 mg
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Iron: 2 mg
The Rich Flavor Combination of Leeks, Gruyère, and Onions
At the heart of this tart lies the beautiful combination of leeks, onions, and Gruyère cheese. Leeks, with their mild, slightly sweet flavor, caramelize beautifully when sautéed, bringing out their natural sugars and creating a rich, earthy base for the filling. When paired with onions, which add depth and a gentle sweetness, the result is a combination that is full of savory complexity without being overpowering.
Gruyère cheese, known for its nutty, slightly salty flavor, complements the leeks and onions perfectly. The cheese melts beautifully, adding creaminess and richness to the filling while also providing a satisfying umami note. The creaminess of the filling, balanced with the sweetness of the leeks and the savory sharpness of Gruyère, makes each bite of this tart a mouthwatering experience. The tart offers a perfect blend of flavors that are both indulgent and comforting, creating a dish that’s ideal for almost any occasion.
The Versatility of the Tart
One of the greatest advantages of this Moist Leek Tart with Gruyère and Onions is its versatility. It can be served as a light meal on its own or as a side dish. For lunch, it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables, adding a savory component to a lighter meal. As an appetizer, it works well for gatherings, offering a flavorful option that is easy to slice and serve to guests. It can also be served as a side to accompany more substantial dishes, such as roasted meats, poultry, or even pasta.
In addition to its role as a meal or side dish, this tart is also a fantastic option for special occasions, such as holiday dinners or brunches. The elegant presentation, with its golden, flaky crust and golden-brown filling, makes it a perfect dish to impress your guests. Despite its sophisticated appearance, the tart is relatively easy to prepare, ensuring that you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your guests.
The Importance of the Pastry
The pastry for this tart is key to achieving the perfect texture. A buttery, flaky crust acts as a sturdy yet delicate base, providing a contrast to the creamy filling. The process of making the pastry dough is simple but requires some patience, as the dough needs to be chilled and handled gently to achieve the right consistency. When rolled out, the dough should be thin enough to provide a light, crisp texture without overpowering the filling. Pre-baking the tart shell helps to ensure that the crust stays crispy even when filled with the creamy leek and Gruyère mixture, preventing it from becoming soggy. This step ensures that the tart has a well-balanced texture, with each bite offering a perfect combination of crisp crust and creamy filling.
Caramelizing the Leeks and Onions
A significant step in making this tart is the careful caramelization of the leeks and onions. When sautéed, the onions and leeks release their natural sugars, developing a golden-brown color and a deep, sweet flavor that adds richness to the filling. The slow cooking process allows the leeks to soften and become tender, while the onions melt into the mixture, creating a harmonious and flavorful base for the cheese. The sweetness of the caramelized leeks and onions perfectly complements the savory Gruyère, creating a balanced and rich filling for the tart.
Caramelizing the leeks and onions also brings out their natural umami, adding a depth of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese. This process is key to elevating the dish, transforming the ingredients from simple vegetables into a complex, savory filling that makes this tart stand out. The soft, mellow sweetness of the leeks, combined with the slight bite of the onions, creates a delicious contrast to the richness of the cheese and the buttery pastry.
The Creamy Filling and Gruyère Cheese
Gruyère cheese is the star of the filling in this tart, contributing both flavor and texture. When melted, Gruyère becomes creamy and smooth, enveloping the leeks and onions in a luscious filling that contrasts perfectly with the crispy crust. The cheese’s nutty, slightly tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the mild sweetness of the caramelized vegetables, adding depth and richness to the tart. Gruyère’s melting qualities are ideal for this dish, ensuring that the filling remains smooth and creamy without becoming overly greasy.
To enhance the richness of the filling, thick cream or half-and-half is added to the egg mixture. The combination of eggs, cream, and Gruyère creates a velvety texture that holds the filling together while adding to the overall decadence of the dish. This creamy filling is the perfect complement to the flaky pastry, creating a dish that is satisfying and indulgent yet not overly heavy.
Optional Variations and Customizations
While the Moist Leek Tart with Gruyère and Onions is delicious in its classic form, there are many ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For instance, you can experiment with different cheeses. While Gruyère is the traditional choice, you can swap it for other cheeses like sharp cheddar, fontina, or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile. If you’re looking to make the tart a bit more savory, you can add some crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even a bit of cooked sausage to the filling.
For a vegetarian version, consider adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. The versatility of this tart means that you can tailor the filling to your liking, whether you prefer a more indulgent, cheesy version or one packed with savory vegetables. The addition of herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the flavor of the filling, adding freshness and depth to the overall taste.
Serving and Storing the Tart
The Moist Leek Tart with Gruyère and Onions is best served warm or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together and ensuring that the crust remains crisp. It can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Simply reheat it in a warm oven to bring back its crispy crust and creamy filling. The tart also holds up well in the freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prep. You can bake it ahead of time, freeze it, and then reheat it when needed, ensuring that you always have a comforting dish on hand for busy days or unexpected guests.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Elegant Dish
The Moist Leek Tart with Gruyère and Onions is a dish that combines elegance with simplicity. The rich flavors of Gruyère cheese, caramelized leeks, and onions come together in a creamy filling that is perfectly balanced by the flaky, buttery crust. This tart is a versatile addition to any meal, whether served as a light lunch, a savory appetizer, or a side dish for a larger spread. Its ability to be customized with different cheeses or vegetables further adds to its appeal, making it a dish that can be tailored to suit any occasion or taste. Easy to prepare yet impressive in flavor and presentation, this leek tart is sure to become a go-to recipe for both special occasions and everyday meals.