Description
This elegant asparagus tart features a flaky puff pastry base topped with creamy ricotta cheese and fresh asparagus spears. Perfect for a light lunch, brunch, or appetizer, the tart combines savory flavors with a touch of lemon for brightness. It’s easy to prepare and bakes quickly, making it a delightful seasonal dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Toppings
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1 bunch of asparagus
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
Seasoning and Dressing
- 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 prepare for baking the tart.
- Prepare the asparagus. Remove the woody ends from the asparagus by snapping or chopping them off. Toss the asparagus with half of the olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper to season evenly.
- Prep the puff pastry. Lay the sheet of puff pastry flat on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a knife, cut a 1/2-inch border all around the edges. Prick the inner area of the pastry several times with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking.
- Assemble the tart. Spread the ricotta cheese evenly across the inner area of the pastry. Arrange the seasoned asparagus spears on top of the ricotta layer in a single layer.
- Bake the tart. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and serve. Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool a few minutes. Drizzle the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper on top. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm asparagus for the best texture and flavor.
- Allow the puff pastry to thaw slightly if it is frozen before handling.
- You can substitute ricotta with goat cheese or cream cheese for variation.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the pastry does not contain animal-derived ingredients like lard.