Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart

 

Ever crave a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory? This Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart is your answer! Silky textures meet the comforting warmth of pumpkin spice in this rustic-inspired tart. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this tart is sure to impress. Let’s unlock the magic of this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Tart

• Effortless Elegance: Impress guests with minimal fuss.
• Flavor Explosion: Sweet pumpkin, savory onions, and creamy ricotta create an irresistible combination.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, accessible ingredients.
• Cozy Comfort: Rekindles warm, autumnal memories.
• Versatile Delight: Perfect as an appetizer, side, or light meal.
• 30-Minute Prep: Quick enough for busy weeknights.
• Irresistible Aroma: Fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting scent.
• Simple Enough: Easy to follow, even for beginner bakers.

Ingredients Needed for Your Pumpkin Tart

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (12g) brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper

For the Filling:

• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can pumpkin puree
• 1 cup (226g) ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper

For the onions, choose firm yellow onions. They caramelize beautifully and provide a balanced sweetness. Toast your nutmeg lightly in a dry pan before grinding for a deeper, warmer flavor. The aroma will be amazing!

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Cucumber Dill Salad – A refreshing complement to the richness of the tart.

Essential Equipment List

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• Large bowl: For mixing the dough and filling.
• Whisk: To blend the filling ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry blender or fingers: To cut the butter into the flour for the crust.
• Plastic wrap: For chilling the dough.
• Large skillet: For caramelizing the onions evenly.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the dough to the perfect thickness. No rolling pin? A clean wine bottle works too!
• 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom: Ensures easy removal and a beautifully shaped tart.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Medium

Scale this recipe up easily for larger gatherings. The aroma while baking will make everyone eager for a slice!

Step-by-Step Instructions to make Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart

Prepare the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
3. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix! A shaggy dough is what you’re aiming for.
4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Resting the dough is key for a flaky crust.

Caramelize the Onions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The right temperature is essential for even caramelization.
2. Add the sliced onions, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Be patient; this step is crucial for flavor.
3. Set aside to cool slightly. The onions will continue to deepen in flavor as they cool.

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth. This creates a luscious and creamy filling.

Assemble the Tart:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Aim for an even thickness for consistent baking.
3. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Gently press the dough into the pan.
4. Trim and crimp the edges. This creates a beautiful and professional finish.

Bake the Tart:

1. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the bottom of the tart crust. Distribute them evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
2. Pour the pumpkin-ricotta filling over the onions. Gently smooth the top.
3. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. A slight jiggle in the center is okay; it will set as it cools.
4. Let the tart cool completely before slicing and serving. Cooling allows the filling to fully set and the flavors to meld.

CHECK OUT: Spicy Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad – Add a delightful crunch and refreshing contrast.

Tips for Success

• Cold Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is very cold to create a flaky crust.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
• Low and Slow Caramelization: Caramelize onions over medium heat to prevent burning.
• Even Filling Distribution: Ensure the pumpkin filling is evenly spread for consistent baking.
• Cool Completely: Let the tart cool fully to allow the filling to set properly.

Variations & Substitutions

• Crust: Use a store-bought crust for convenience.
• Cheese: Substitute goat cheese for ricotta for a tangier flavor.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.
• Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Pair with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Enjoy with a glass of sparkling apple cider.
• Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal.

Health Benefits

This Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart offers several nutritional benefits. Pumpkin is packed with Vitamin A, important for vision and immune function. Ricotta cheese provides calcium and protein, while caramelized onions add antioxidants. Enjoy this delicious tart as part of a balanced diet!

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also gently reheat individual slices in the microwave. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crust and caramelized onions a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Goat cheese, mascarpone, or even cream cheese can be used as substitutes for ricotta, offering different flavor profiles.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Blind bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling to create a barrier against moisture.

Can I freeze the entire tart?

Yes, you can freeze the entire tart after baking and cooling completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What if my onions are burning while caramelizing?

Lower the heat and add a tablespoon of water to the pan. This will help deglaze the pan and prevent the onions from burning.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 12g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more savory and sweet delights? Check out these related recipes:

• Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad – A delightful autumnal salad with sweet and savory notes.
• Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip – A creamy and flavorful dip perfect for fall gatherings.
• Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Almond Butter Dressing – A nutritious and delicious salad with a creamy dressing.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that’s sure to impress. Whip it up tonight, and tag us with your culinary masterpiece! We can’t wait to see your creations. Let us know how it goes in the comments below!

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