Tarte Tatin Salée
A savory twist on the classic French Tarte Tatin. Instead of apples, this version features caramelized vegetables like shallots, tomatoes, or endives, baked under a buttery pastry crust. It's a sophisticated and flavorful dish perfect as a light meal or appetizer.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 lb Shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1 tsp Thyme leaves
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 sheet Puff pastry, thawed
- optional Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
💡 Tip: Ensuring the oven is preheated will help the pastry cook evenly. - 2
In an oven-safe skillet (about 9-10 inches in diameter), melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the sugar over the melted butter and cook, stirring, until it forms a light caramel. Be careful not to burn it.
💡 Tip: Watch the caramel closely; it can go from golden to burnt very quickly. - 3
Add the sliced shallots to the skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. If using tomatoes, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key to caramelizing the shallots without burning them. - 4
Stir in the thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Arrange the shallots and tomatoes evenly in the skillet.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 5
Unroll the puff pastry sheet and place it over the vegetables in the skillet, tucking the edges down around the sides.
💡 Tip: Gently press the pastry edges down to seal them around the vegetables. - 6
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
💡 Tip: Keep an eye on the pastry to ensure it doesn't over-brown. - 7
Let the tarte cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert a serving plate over the skillet and quickly flip them over together to unmold the tarte onto the plate.
💡 Tip: Be cautious as the skillet and caramel will be very hot. - 8
Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired, and serve warm.
💡 Tip: This tarte is delicious served with a simple green salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Other vegetables like leeks, fennel, or even roasted red peppers can be used.
- ✓For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of red wine vinegar to the shallots while caramelizing.
- ✓Ensure your skillet is oven-safe.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese over the vegetables before topping with pastry.
- Incorporate a layer of thinly sliced mushrooms or zucchini.
- Use a homemade shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry for a different texture.