Chèvre Tarte de Seine-et-Marne
Background
The Chèvre Tarte de Seine-et-Marne, a delightful French goat cheese tart, has its roots deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of the Seine-et-Marne region. Known for its rich agrarian culture, this area is a haven for numerous delightful dairy products. The tart not only showcases the regional cheese but also symbolizes a fusion of traditional and contemporary French patisserie.
The region is famous for its historic contribution to France's culinary tapestry, offering a variety of cheeses that have graced tables since medieval times. Chèvre cheese, with its tangy and earthy flavor, plays a pivotal role in the making of this tart. This recipe merges both heritage and modern flavors, delivering an exquisite experience to those who try it. Its simplicity makes it an enduring favorite among gourmet enthusiasts worldwide.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry - 250g
- Chèvre Cheese (Goat Cheese) - 200g
- Crème Fraîche - 100ml
- Eggs - 2 large
- Shallots - 2, finely chopped
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh Thyme - 1 tablespoon
- Olive Oil - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - to taste
- Black Pepper - to taste
- Honey - optional drizzle for serving
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry
Begin by preparing your puff pastry. Roll it out to about a 3 mm thickness on a lightly floured surface. Carefully fit the pastry into a 9-inch tart tin, ensuring all sides are covered evenly. Trim excess pastry from the edges. Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Step 2: Sauce Preparation
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic. Sauté until the shallots are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, but not browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Preparing the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy. Add the cooled shallot and garlic mixture. Mix thoroughly before stirring in the crème fraîche. Add thick-slice of chèvre cheese and fresh thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assembling the Tart
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the egg mixture into the prepared pastry shell, making sure it's evenly distributed. Slice the remaining chèvre cheese and neatly arrange it atop the egg mixture.
Step 5: Baking
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling has set. Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
To enjoy the Chèvre Tarte de Seine-et-Marne fully, consider serving it slightly warm with a drizzle of honey over the top for a sweet counterbalance to the rich, savory flavors of the chèvre. Accompany with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, and if desired, a glass of chilled white wine complements the tart beautifully.
This tart is ideal for a light lunch or as an appetizer for a more elaborate meal. Its elegant appearance and rich taste make it perfect for special occasions and gatherings.