Sorrel and Spring Onion Rustic Tart

Sorrel and Spring Onion Rustic Tart

The air is getting warmer, the days are stretching longer, and if you’ve strolled through your local farmer’s market lately, you’ve likely witnessed the vibrant green shoots and early blooms signaling the joyous arrival of spring! To celebrate this fresh start and the promise of outdoor gatherings, we’ve got the perfect seasonal appetizer: a bright and flavorful tart featuring the early spring gem, sorrel. Its delightful lemony tang, paired with the creamy richness of Fontina cheese, makes for a sophisticated yet simple starter that will have everyone buzzing with springtime cheer. And a little tip: Fontina’s soft texture makes grating a breeze if you pop it in the freezer for a quick 30-minute chill beforehand!

Simple Steps for a Delicious Sorrel & Spring Onion Rustic Tart (Vegetarian)

This recipe makes a flavorful and easy-to-assemble rustic tart, perfect for showcasing the fresh flavors of spring.

What You’ll Need:

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup (4 ounces) whole-wheat flour
  • ½ cup (2¼ ounces) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
  • ¼ cup ice water
  • 1 egg yolk

For the Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 fresh thyme sprigs (leaves removed)
  • 1 cup finely chopped spring onions or green onions (about 2 bunches)
  • 1 medium leek (thinly sliced and thoroughly rinsed)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons chopped sorrel (or flat-leaf parsley), divided
  • 4 ounces Fontina cheese (grated)

Let’s Get Cooking:

Making the Crust:

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, pulse the whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until well combined.
  2. Add Butter: Add the cold butter pieces to the food processor. Pulse until the butter is broken down into small, pea-sized pieces.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the ice water and egg yolk to the food processor. Pulse just until the dough starts to come together. It should form a shaggy ball.
  4. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it forms a smooth ball. If the dough seems too dry, add a tiny bit more ice water.
  5. Chill the Dough: Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This helps the crust become easier to roll.

Preparing the Filling:

  1. Infuse the Oil: Remove the leaves from the thyme sprigs. Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thyme leaves and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped spring onions and sliced leek to the skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent (about 10 minutes).
  3. Season and Cool: Remove the skillet from the heat. Season the vegetables with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Let the mixture cool slightly.
  4. Add Sorrel: Once the vegetable mixture has cooled a bit, stir in ¼ cup of the chopped sorrel (or parsley).

Assembling and Baking the Tart:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Place the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out into a roughly 12 to 13-inch circle that is about ¼-inch thick.
  3. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Remove the top sheet of parchment paper. Carefully slide the dough (still on the bottom parchment paper) onto a baking sheet.
  4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Fontina cheese evenly over the pastry dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edge.
  5. Add Onion Mixture: Spread the cooled spring onion and leek mixture evenly over the cheese.
  6. Fold the Crust: Gently fold the 2-inch border of the pastry crust up and over the edges of the filling, pleating it as you go to create a rustic look.
  7. Bake: Bake the tart for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking until the crust is golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes more.
  8. Finish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of fresh sorrel (or parsley) over the top of the warm tart.

Enjoy this delightful vegetarian tart that celebrates the fresh flavors of spring!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approximately): 204 calories, 12g fat, 46mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 20g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 1g sugars, 6g protein.