Tarte Flambee Recipe

Flammekueche, the delightful specialty of Alsace, is a perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. Its very thin crust, almost like a cracker, gives way to a delicate creamy mixture.

I make the crust with 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and enough water and olive oil to make a stiff dough. I roll it out on an unfloured surface to 1/16 inch thick or so; it is really necessary to err on the side of not too thick.

For the topping, I use 1 cup of crème fraîche combined with enough blanc to make a creamy mixture. Seasoning the mixture is important.

I use a good 1/2 teaspoon of salt and about half that amount of freshly ground black pepper. A little nutmeg is nice, too; after all, this is French cooking.

Ingredients

The carbohydrates at the base of the crust come from all-purpose flour.

Crème fraîche: Contributes creaminess and a zesty taste to the culinary creation.

The dough’s texture improves with healthy fats such as olive oil.

Bacon: Provides protein and a savory, smoky taste.

Onion: When cooked, it imparts sweetness and flavor depth.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup crème fraîche
• 1/2 cup fromage blanc or ricotta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for topping mixture)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 4 ounces bacon, cut into small strips
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) to preheat, and put a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to heat as well.

2. In a bowl for mixing, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center and add 1/3 cup water and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix until you have a soft dough.

3. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, work the dough for about 5 minutes until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency. Then cover it with a towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.

4. In a separate bowl, combine smooth 1/2 cup crème fraîche, 1/2 cup fromage blanc or ricotta cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg.

5. The rested dough should be rolled out as thinly and evenly as possible. It should then be transferred to a parchment-covered board.

6. Evenly spread the crème fraîche mixture over the dough rolled out into a circle, leaving a small border around the edges.

7. Spread the sliced onions over the crème mixture, then layer the strips of bacon on top.

8. With great care, move the parchment paper with the prepared dough onto the baking sheet or pizza stone that you heated in the oven.

9. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tart edges are a beautiful golden brown and the bacon is cooked through and crispy.

10. Take it out of the oven, allow it to cool for a bit, cut it into slices, and serve it warm. Enjoy your amazing Tarte Flambée!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet or pizza stone
3. Mixing bowl (2)
4. Measuring cup
5. Measuring spoons
6. Spoon for mixing
7. Surface for kneading (e.g., countertop)
8. Rolling pin
9. Parchment paper
10. Kitchen towel
11. Knife (for slicing onions and bacon)
12. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of fromage blanc or ricotta?
  Yes, you can substitute fromage blanc or ricotta with cream cheese or a soft goat cheese for a slightly different flavor.
• What can I use instead of crème fraîche?You can substitute sour cream or a combination of heavy cream and yogurt for crème fraîche in equal amounts when the latter is not available.
• Is there an alternative to bacon for a vegetarian version?For a vegetarian Tarte Flambée, think about using sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu instead of bacon.
• Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?You can indeed prepare the dough a few hours ahead of time. It should be tightly wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator until it is time to use it.
• How can I make the crust crispier?For a crust that has more snap, prepare the dough to be rolled out very thin and don’t skip preheating your oven to a temperature that is, as a rule of thumb, high enough that most home ovens probably haven’t reached that level since their initial switch was flipped on.
• Can I freeze Tarte Flambée?The baked Tarte Flambée can be frozen. Let it cool completely and then wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Freeze it. To serve, reheat in the oven.
• How do I prevent the onions from burning?Ensure that the onions are sliced thinly and evenly spread over the tart so they won’t burn. You can also lightly sauté them before putting them in the tart if you want to do so.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup all-purpose flour: Substitute with 1 cup whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil may be substituted with 1 tablespoon melted butter for a richer flavor.
1/2 cup crème fraîche: A comparable substitute can be made by using 1/2 cup sour cream. The flavor of the sour cream is similar and delivers a tangy taste that is characteristic of crème fraîche.
1/2 cup fromage blanc or ricotta cheese: Use 1/2 cup Greek yogurt. You can make it with 1/2 cup Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.
4 ounces of bacon: When using pancetta, the flavor is slightly different, but it’s equally savory and perfect for this dish.