Savory Carrot Tart Recipe
This puff pastry tart is a culinary masterpiece that brings together the sweetness of honey-roasted carrots and tangy goat cheese with the flaky goodness of puff pastry. It’s my go-to for impressing friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor, making it both an Instagram-worthy snack and a comforting treat.
I adore the combination of flavors in my Carrot Tart. This savory dish melds the sweetness of the carrots with the tangy richness of goat cheese.
The puff pastry supplies a flaky texture, and the thyme adds a hint of earthiness that enhances the flavors of the carrots. Not only is this dish good for you, but it is also delightful and sweet in all the right ways.
Ingredients
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, offer natural sweetness, and are good sources of fiber.
Olive Oil: It has healthy fats; it makes food taste great.
Beyond that, the world’s best-known cooking fat has some pretty impressive credentials.
It’s low in saturated fats.
It’s loaded with monounsaturated fats, the good kind.
Subsequent to the last 24 years, since the making of the earlier edition of this book, studies have accumulated that bolster the case for olive oil even more than before.
Research shows that it helps prevent heart disease, it lowers blood pressure, and it fights inflammation.
Further, large, long-term studies have found that using olive oil is associated with a much lower risk of death from heart disease and a likewise lower risk of death from a number of other illnesses.
Goat cheese: It makes creamy, unctuous sauces; this is its biggest strength when elevating sandwiches.
You can also add it to pasta or spread it on pizza, using it whenever you want to impart a milky or slightly pungent flavor.
And if you want to cook with it, Palak says go for the aged stuff, as the fresh version doesn’t melt.
Thyme is a fragrant herb.
It contains antioxidants.
It has an earthy taste.
Puff Pastry: Light, flaky, base, rich in carbohydrates, provides a buttery texture.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon thyme, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat up while you prepare everything else. Then, take out a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper, and set it aside.
2. Unroll the puff pastry on a surface lightly dusted with flour to ensure that any creases are smoothed out, and move it to the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a bowl, mix the sliced carrots, olive oil, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper. Shake well to coat the carrots evenly.
4. Place the sliced carrots in an overlapping pattern on the puff pastry, but do not let the carrots touch the edges of the pastry. There should be a 1-inch border around the edges that is empty.
5. Evenly sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the carrots.
6. In a tiny basin, mix the thick cream and egg, beaten. Brush this blend over the exposed sides of the puff pastry and drizzle a bit over the tart.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the carrots are tender.
8. When baked, take the tart from the oven and let it cool a bit.
9. If using, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of green and more freshness.
10. Warm or at room temperature, the tart is a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Rolling pin (optional, for smoothing puff pastry)
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Mixing bowls (2)
8. Spoon (for mixing)
9. Pastry brush
10. Measuring spoons
11. Small bowl (for egg and cream mix)
FAQ
-
What type of puff pastry should I use?
You can use store-bought puff pastry, typically found in the frozen section. Make sure it is completely thawed before use. -
Can I substitute goat cheese with another cheese?
Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with feta or ricotta for a different flavor profile. -
How do I prevent the tart from getting soggy?
Make sure to pre-bake the puff pastry slightly and dry the sliced carrots thoroughly after washing. -
Can I make the tart ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components in advance and assemble just before baking. -
What is the best way to slice the carrots?
Use a mandolin for thin, even slices, or carefully slice by hand if a mandolin is unavailable. -
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture and appearance, but it is not strictly necessary. -
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, thinly sliced zucchini or bell peppers can complement the carrots well in the tart.
Substitutions and Variations
Puff pastry: Substitute with phyllo dough or pie crust.
When it comes to honey, you can utilize maple syrup or agave nectar as an alternative.
For thyme: Substitute rosemary or oregano.
For goat cheese: Replace with feta cheese or cream cheese.
To replace heavy cream: Use either whole milk or Greek yogurt.
Pro Tips
1. Ensure Even Cooking: To ensure the carrots cook evenly, try to slice them uniformly and not too thick; this will help them soften adequately within the baking time.
2. Enhance Flavor with Seasoned Carrots: Allow the carrots to marinate in the olive oil, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper mixture for about 10–15 minutes before placing them on the pastry. This will enhance their flavor and make them more aromatic.
3. Mind the Pastry’s Edges: When rolling out the puff pastry, gently score the 1-inch border with a knife, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will help the border rise and create a nice edge.
4. Goat Cheese Variation: For a more complex flavor, consider mixing different types of goat cheese or incorporating a small amount of a contrasting cheese, like feta or blue cheese.
5. Prevent Sogginess: To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, partially bake it for about 5–7 minutes before adding the carrot and goat cheese topping. This helps create a stronger base for the toppings.
Savory Carrot Tart Recipe
My favorite Savory Carrot Tart Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Rolling pin (optional, for smoothing puff pastry)
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Mixing bowls (2)
8. Spoon (for mixing)
9. Pastry brush
10. Measuring spoons
11. Small bowl (for egg and cream mix)
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon thyme, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat up while you prepare everything else. Then, take out a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper, and set it aside.
2. Unroll the puff pastry on a surface lightly dusted with flour to ensure that any creases are smoothed out, and move it to the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a bowl, mix the sliced carrots, olive oil, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper. Shake well to coat the carrots evenly.
4. Place the sliced carrots in an overlapping pattern on the puff pastry, but do not let the carrots touch the edges of the pastry. There should be a 1-inch border around the edges that is empty.
5. Evenly sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the carrots.
6. In a tiny basin, mix the thick cream and egg, beaten. Brush this blend over the exposed sides of the puff pastry and drizzle a bit over the tart.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the carrots are tender.
8. When baked, take the tart from the oven and let it cool a bit.
9. If using, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of green and more freshness.
10. Warm or at room temperature, the tart is a delightful appetizer or side dish.