Make Ahead

Caramelized Fennel & Apple Tart

March 23, 2013
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 6
Author Notes

While I'm not a huge fan of sweet pies, I LOVE pie crust. Savory tarts and quiches are a must so that I get to eat pie crust! While I love the crunchy, licorice bite of raw fennel in salads, I wanted to try deeply caramelizing it and teaming it with some classic flavor pairings. This tart is great for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch, and it can be served warm or at room temperature. It walks the line between savory and sweet, and creamy and tart. —foxeslovelemons

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Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 fennel bulbs, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pie crust (refrigerated or homemade)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
  • 2 ounces chèvre (goat cheese)
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • Garnishes: fennel fronds and chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
  1. Heat oil over medium heat in large saucepot. Add fennel and sugar; cook 30 to 35 minutes or until deep golden brown, stirring frequently. Add thyme and salt; cook 5 minutes or until very deeply browned.
  2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. Press crust into tart pan; cut off excess dough hanging over edge. Use a fork to poke some holes in the bottom of the crust. Line crust with parchment paper and fill tart with pie weights or dried beans. Bake 15 minutes or until light golden brown; remove pie weights and parchment paper. Reduce oven temperature to 350°.
  3. In medium bowl, whisk eggs and cream. Spread fennel in bottom of crust. Arrange apple slices on top of fennel. Pour egg mixture over fennel and apples. Sprinkle with chèvre and walnuts.
  4. Bake tart for 30 minutes or until eggs are set. Let stand at least 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fennel fronds and parsley.
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5 Reviews

lapadia March 23, 2013
Wow! What a beautiful, delicious tart, great job!
foxeslovelemons March 23, 2013
Thank you, lapadia! It was my Saturday project :)
inpatskitchen March 23, 2013
This is absolutely gorgeous! And I bet it tastes as good as it looks. Well done!
foxeslovelemons March 23, 2013
Thanks Pat. I'm so happy with how it out :)
foxeslovelemons March 23, 2013
how it *turned out, sorry.