Description
This asparagus tart features a flaky puff pastry base topped with creamy ricotta cheese and tender roasted asparagus spears. It’s a simple yet elegant appetizer or light meal, perfect for spring and summer gatherings. The tart is seasoned with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and brightened with a splash of fresh lemon juice, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Tart
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1 bunch of asparagus
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for the puff pastry to bake evenly and become golden and crisp.
- Prepare the asparagus: Trim off the woody ends of the asparagus by snapping or chopping them off. Toss the asparagus with half of the olive oil, half of the kosher salt, and half of the ground black pepper to season them evenly.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet flat on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a knife, cut a 1/2 inch border around the edges of the pastry, then prick the pastry inside the border multiple times with a fork to prevent it from puffing too much during baking.
- Assemble the tart: Spread the ricotta cheese evenly across the center of the pastry within the border. Arrange the seasoned asparagus spears neatly on top of the ricotta layer.
- Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is fully cooked and golden brown in color.
- Finish and serve: Once baked, allow the tart to cool for a few minutes. Then drizzle the remaining olive oil, sprinkle the remaining kosher salt and black pepper over the top, and finish with the fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, firm asparagus stalks.
- Chilling the puff pastry before baking helps it maintain its shape.
- You can substitute ricotta with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture.
- Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before baking can add extra savory depth.
