Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart Recipe

When it comes to creating a delicious and elegant tart, few ingredients can rival the combination of asparagus and puff pastry. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple yet flavorful ingredients can come together to create a culinary masterpiece.

To begin, preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C/Gas 4). While the oven is heating up, you can start preparing the asparagus spears. Simply blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes or until the white part is cooked but the yolk remains soft. Immediately run the peas under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Next, it's time to prepare the cheesy mixture that will serve as the base of our tart. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, crème fraîche, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread this mixture evenly in the centre of the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.

Now it's time to add the star of the show: the asparagus. Arrange the spears on top of the cheesy mixture, slightly overlapping each other if necessary. If your stalks are very long or thick, you may need to cut them in half lengthways or across to fit the tart evenly.

To ensure that the pastry cooks evenly and doesn't puff up too much, prick the centre with a fork before baking. Place the tart in the oven for about 20 minutes, then remove it from the oven and carefully spread a little extra virgin olive oil over the top. Return the tart to the oven for an additional 14-20 minutes or until golden brown.

To add some crunch and freshness to our tart, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the asparagus before returning it to the oven. Finally, garnish with chopped dill leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Your Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart is now ready to be served.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a special dinner party or just a simple weeknight meal. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and tender asparagus is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and taste the magic of asparagus puff pastry tart for yourself!

Asparagus puff pastry tart