This Caramelized Onion and Sweet Potato Tart is like a warm hug for your taste buds! With sweet potatoes and tender onions baked in a flaky crust, it’s truly comforting and delicious.
I love how the sweet and savory flavors come together in this tart. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress friends at a gathering. Plus, who doesn’t love a good slice of pie? 🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring a lovely sweetness and a beautiful color to the tart. You can substitute with butternut squash or pumpkin if you prefer, or even regular potatoes for a more neutral flavor.
Onions: I recommend using yellow onions for their sweetness when caramelized. If you want a milder taste, go for sweet onions like Vidalia, or use red onions for a pop of color and a slightly different flavor.
Cheese: Gruyère has a wonderful melting quality, but cheddar, goat cheese, or even feta can also work well here. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese for a creamier texture.
Herbs: Fresh thyme gives a nice earthy touch, but feel free to swap in rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile. Dried herbs can also be used, just remember to use less, about a third of the amount.
What’s the Best Way to Caramelize Onions Properly?
Caramelizing onions is a key technique that transforms their flavor. You’ll want to take your time to achieve that perfect golden brown color.
- Start with a heavy skillet over medium-low heat to distribute the heat evenly.
- Add olive oil and butter, then the sliced onions. This combination helps enhance the sweet flavor.
- Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 25-30 minutes; patience is key! If you notice they might be sticking, you can add a splash of water to loosen them.
This slow-cooking method results in rich, sweet, and beautifully caramelized onions, perfect for your tart!
Caramelized Onion and Sweet Potato Tart
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart:
- 1 pre-made or homemade pie crust (9-inch) or tartlet crust for smaller tarts
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Gruyère, cheddar, or a mild white cheese)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: honey or balsamic glaze for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 40-50 minutes of cooking time. You’ll have a total time of about 1 hour and 10 minutes, which includes making the crust and baking the tart. It’s easy and well worth it for such a delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot for baking the tart.
2. Prepare the Crust:
Roll out your pie or tart dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan (or smaller tartlet pans if you prefer). Prick the bottom with a fork to allow steam to escape and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes. This helps the crust to remain flaky.
3. Blind Bake the Crust:
Cover the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Then, carefully remove the weights and parchment and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set the crust aside to cool.
4. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become deep golden and sweet. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.
5. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
While your onions are caramelizing, peel and slice the sweet potatoes thinly (around 1/8 inch thick). You can cook them by boiling or steaming for 5-7 minutes until just tender or use them raw for a firmer texture. It’s your choice!
6. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream until well combined. Stir in half of the cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper to season the filling.
7. Assemble the Tart:
Start by layering the sweet potato slices evenly on the bottom of your baked crust. Top with the caramelized onions. Carefully pour the egg and cream mixture over the layers, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
8. Bake:
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the surface is golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the tart cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. For an extra touch of sweetness and flavor, drizzle a little honey or balsamic glaze over the top just before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Caramelized Onion and Sweet Potato Tart warm or at room temperature! It’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes for This Tart?
Yes, you can use frozen sweet potatoes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before slicing to remove excess moisture, which can make the tart soggy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture.
Can I Make This Tart Vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just keep an eye on the cheese you choose if you’re concerned about rennet, as some cheeses may not be vegetarian.
What Can I Serve with This Tart?
This tart is a great standalone dish but can also be served with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A side of yogurt or sour cream can add a nice creaminess too!
