Asparagus and Gruyere Tart Recipe

Introduction

Greetings from Chef Les Dursa of the Four Seasons Punta Mita, Mexico! Today, we're embarking on a culinary journey to create a sublime Asparagus and Gruyère Tart, featuring a homemade shortcrust pastry. While you can opt for store-bought pastry to save time, mastering the art of homemade pastry adds a personal touch to this elegant dish. Let's dive into the recipe that marries the nuttiness of Gruyère cheese with the freshness of asparagus in a deliciously crisp tart.

Ingredients for Shortcrust Pastry

• 225 grams of plain flour
• 125 grams of cold butter, cubed
• A pinch of salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 1-2 tablespoons of cold water

Ingredients for Tart Filling

• Fresh asparagus, trimmed and halved if long
• 200 ml of cream
• 3 eggs
• Gruyère cheese, grated
• Nutmeg, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps for Pastry

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, blend the flour, salt, and cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
2. Bind the Dough: Add the egg yolk and gradually incorporate cold water just enough to form a dough. Avoid overworking to keep the pastry flaky.
3. Chill the Dough: Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up.

Preparation Steps for Tart

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
2. Blanch the Asparagus: Boil the asparagus in salted water for a few seconds, then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve the vibrant green color.
3. Roll Out the Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a tart tin. Gently press the pastry into the tin, trim the edges, and prick the base with a fork.
4. Blind Bake the Pastry: Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the beans and bake for another 5 minutes until golden.
5. Prepare the Custard: Whisk together the cream, eggs, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the grated Gruyère cheese.
6. Assemble the Tart: Arrange the blanched asparagus on the pre-baked pastry base. Pour the custard mixture over the asparagus and sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top.
7. Bake the Tart: Return the tart to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden and bubbly.

Conclusion

This Asparagus and Gruyère Tart is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that's both visually appealing and delightfully savory. The homemade shortcrust pastry adds a personal touch and a sense of accomplishment to your culinary creation. Perfect for a light lunch, elegant brunch, or a picnic, this tart is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your palate. Enjoy the process of making this exquisite dish and the delicious outcome!