Caramelized Masala Onion Breakfast Tart Recipe

This Caramelized Masala Onion Breakfast Tart is my go-to brunch delight because the blend of garam masala and sweet caramelized onions creates a flavor explosion that feels both comforting and exotic. Plus, using puff pastry makes it effortlessly fancy, and the addition of feta and cilantro gives it that Instagram-worthy finesse every millennial foodie loves.

There’s nothing quite like beginning my day with this Caramelized Masala Onion Breakfast Tart. The tart’s delicate puff pastry is as perfect a vehicle for the true stars of this dish as the finely textured blend of garam masala, thinly sliced, sweet onions cooked tender in a mix of olive oil and brown butter, and a touch of brown sugar.

Creamy eggs and crumbled feta finish the tart and tip it toward the next level of deliciousness. Pinch off some fresh cilantro and scatter it over your slice.

Ingredients

Puff Pastry: A base for the tart that is flaky; imparts carbohydrates and fat.

Onions are abundant in fiber and antioxidants, confer sweetness and flavor, and have many health benefits.

Masala Garam: A blend of spices; with spices that warm your mouth and make you feel good.

Brown sugar contributes sweetness, which harmonizes with the spices.

The molasses present in brown sugar assists the caramelization of the onion, giving it its color and flavor.

Whipping Cream: Supplies richness and creaminess; adds fat and moisture.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients that give the tart their tang; superb source of protein and vitamins.

Cilantro: Adds color and antioxidants, and freshens up the tart.

Feta cheese: Contributes sharp taste; gives protein and calcium.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and put the defrosted puff pastry sheet on top.

2. In a big frying pan, warm olive oil and butter over medium heat. Toss in the cut onions and cook them until they start to get tender, roughly 5 minutes.

3. The onions should be sprinkled with garam masala and brown sugar. Keep cooking them and stirring occasionally until they are nice and caramelized—golden brown and sweet, like you would expect from an onion. This should take about 15 minutes. Once they are ready, take them off the heat. You are going to let them cool slightly.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until well combined.

5. Evenly distribute the caramelized onions over the puff pastry, maintaining a small border around the edges.

6. Spread the egg mixture evenly over the onions.

7. Add the egg mixture on top of the clumped feta cheese.

8. Place in the preheated oven, set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, for 20-25 minutes. When done, the tart will be puffed up and golden all over, and the custard will be just set.

9. Take out of the oven and allow to cool for a short time. Decorate with finely chopped cilantro.

10. Caramelized Masala Onion Breakfast Tart—Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your tart!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Frying pan
5. Mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Measuring spoons
10. Measuring cups

FAQ

• Q: Can I prepare the caramelized onions in advance?You can prepare the caramelized onions up to 3 days in advance and keep them in a tightly sealed container in the fridge.
• Q: What can I use instead of garam masala?When you lack garam masala, you can use curry powder or a DIY blend in its place. For the latter, combine equal parts cumin, coriander, cardamom, and nutmeg.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?Absolutely! Goat cheese or, quite frankly, a mild cheddar can be substituted for feta, and in either case, the end result will be different, but delicious in its own right!
• Q: Is it possible to make this tart gluten-free?A: To make it gluten-free, use a sheet of puff pastry that is gluten-free, available at many grocery stores or online.
• Q: How should I store leftovers?Any leftover tart should be stored in the refrigerator and covered well. Leftover tart can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of two days. Leftover tart can be reheated in the oven for the best texture results.
• Q: Can I add other vegetables to the tart?Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach. Sauté them lightly before adding them to the tart.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use phyllo dough in place of puff pastry for a lighter alternative.
Replace butter with ghee for a more intense taste.
Substitute garam masala with 1 teaspoon of curry powder for another flavor profile.
In the absence of brown sugar, use an equal measure of honey or maple syrup.
Substitute goat cheese for feta cheese to maintain the creamy texture.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Pastry Before baking, place the assembled tart in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This will help the puff pastry maintain its structure and puff up beautifully in the oven.

2. Onion Slice Uniformity When slicing the onions, ensure they are of uniform thickness. This helps them cook evenly and caramelize nicely without burning.

3. Line Baking Sheet Carefully Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on the baking sheet to prevent the puff pastry from sticking and to ensure even browning on the bottom.

4. Egg Mixture Check When pouring the egg mixture over the onions, slightly tilt the baking sheet to ensure it spreads evenly without spilling over the edges of the pastry.

5. Adjust Baking Time If you notice the tart browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil half-way through the baking to prevent burning while ensuring the filling is fully cooked.