Description
A delightful Onion, Fig and Feta Tart combining sweet caramelized onions, tangy balsamic onion jam, fresh figs, and creamy feta cheese on a crisp shortcrust pastry base. This savory tart is enhanced with aromatic spices and fresh rocket leaves, perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Onion & Balsamic Jam
- 1 Brown Onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Stock Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
Caramelised Onions
- 2 Brown Onions, thinly sliced into long strips
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Stock Powder
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
Tart Assembly
- Shortcrust Pastry (sufficient for one 9-10 inch tart)
- 2 Fresh Figs, thinly sliced
- Feta Crumbs, to taste
- Fresh Rocket Leaves, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Onion & Balsamic Jam: Finely chop 1 brown onion and place it in a small pot over medium heat. Add balsamic vinegar, water, stock powder, salt, pepper, and cumin powder. Simmer gently until about half the liquid has evaporated. Transfer to a blender and blend briefly, then return to the pot to reduce the mixture completely until the liquid is fully evaporated. Remove from heat, ensuring not to burn the mixture.
- Caramelise the Onions: Slice 2 brown onions into thin strips. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, add stock powder and minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Add onion strips, water, salt, and cumin powder. Cover and bring to a boil, then let the water reduce completely over 15-20 minutes until onions are soft and light brown. Add pepper, mix well, and remove from heat.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (356°F) to prepare for baking the tart.
- Assemble the Tart: Place the shortcrust pastry in your tart tin. Spread the onion & balsamic jam evenly on the pastry base. Top with the caramelised onions. Arrange thin fig slices evenly over the onions. Generously sprinkle feta crumbs over the top.
- Bake the Tart: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the crust is cooked through and the feta begins to turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
- Serve: Scatter fresh rocket leaves over the tart before serving for a fresh, peppery finish.
Notes
- Keep a close eye on the onion & balsamic jam when reducing to avoid burning.
- If the caramelised onions are not soft after the initial reduction, add a splash more water and continue cooking.
- Use ripe fresh figs for natural sweetness and better texture contrast.
- Allow the tart to rest after baking to help flavors meld and make slicing easier.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese for a different creamy tang.
