Description
A rich and elegant savory tart featuring deeply caramelized onions, nutty Gruyere cheese, tender cream filling, and crispy halal beef, all baked inside a flaky blind-baked crust. Perfect as a refined appetizer or light main course.
Ingredients
- 1 blind-baked 8-inch pie crust
- 6 ounces halal beef strips or beef bacon-style slices, chopped
- 4 large sweet or yellow onions, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
Instructions
- Blind bake an 8-inch tart or pie crust according to your preferred method. Allow it to cool completely.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped halal beef until crispy and browned. Remove to a plate, reserving about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt to the skillet. Cook slowly, stirring often, for about 30 minutes until reduced and softened.
- If needed, add butter to assist caramelization. Stir in balsamic vinegar and continue cooking on low for 15 minutes until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
- Remove from heat. Stir in thyme, black pepper, and cooked beef. Let cool slightly, then mix in heavy cream until combined.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spoon the onion mixture into the cooled crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle grated Gruyere over the top.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden and the filling is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Substitute Gruyere with Emmental, Comté, Fontina, Swiss-style cheese, or Jarlsberg if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, omit beef and use butter or olive oil; add sautéed mushrooms for depth.
- Divide filling into smaller tart pans for individual servings.
- Store refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat in a 300°F oven for best crust texture.
- Slow caramelization is key to achieving deep flavor and golden color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 266 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
