The first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion and Goats Cheese Tart was during a casual weekend gathering with friends. We were looking for something simple but delicious, and this tart seemed like the perfect choice. The combination of the sweet, rich caramelised onions with the tangy goats cheese was nothing short of magic. I can still remember the first bite-warm, creamy, and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the onions. It was a hit, and since then, it’s become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want to impress without a ton of effort.
I want to take you through the recipe in-depth so you can enjoy it as much as I have. This tart is great for a brunch, a light dinner, or even as an appetizer for a more formal gathering. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible.
Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart Recipe
Jamie’s version of this tart is simple, elegant, and full of flavor. What I love most is how the rich sweetness of caramelised onions balances perfectly with the tanginess of the goats cheese. It’s all housed in a buttery, crisp pastry shell, which brings it all together in a satisfying way.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need on hand. The ingredient list is short but packed with flavor.
- 1 pack of shortcrust pastry (or you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous)
- 6 medium onions (about 1 kg) – the key to that deep, sweet flavor
- Olive oil – for frying the onions
- 50g butter – because butter makes everything better
- 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar – to enhance the caramelisation and add a bit of tang
- 2 teaspoons of brown sugar – this adds sweetness and helps the onions caramelise
- 200g goats cheese – creamy, tangy, and perfect for this dish
- Fresh thyme – a couple of sprigs for a hint of herbaceous flavor
- Salt and pepper – to taste, as always
- 1 egg – for brushing the pastry, which gives it a nice golden color
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart
Making this tart is easy, but the process does take a bit of time, especially when it comes to caramelising the onions. Here’s the step-by-step:
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Prepare The Pastry
- Roll out your pastry on a lightly floured surface and line a tart tin (about 23cm).
- If using store-bought pastry, make sure it’s thawed and press it gently into the tin, trimming any excess.
- Place the pastry in the fridge for 20 minutes to chill.
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Caramelise The Onions
- Peel and slice the onions thinly. Heat a large pan over medium heat with a little olive oil and butter.
- Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring often. This takes patience (about 30 minutes), but it’s so worth it. You want them golden and sweet.
- After 20 minutes, stir in the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes until the onions are dark and sticky. Set aside to cool.
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Assemble The Tart
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Once the onions have cooled, spread them evenly over the pastry base.
- Crumble the goats cheese over the onions.
- Brush the pastry edges with a beaten egg to create a nice golden finish when it bakes.
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Bake
- Place the tart in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
The key to this tart’s success is the caramelisation of the onions. Let’s break down the science behind it:
- Onions contain sugars (fructose and glucose) that are naturally released during cooking. When you cook them slowly, those sugars break down and turn brown, creating the characteristic sweet and savory flavor of caramelised onions.
- Balsamic vinegar helps balance the sweetness of the onions. Its acidity cuts through the richness of the caramelised onions and the creamy goats cheese, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy.
- Goats cheese has a higher fat content than other cheeses, which adds creaminess. The tanginess of the cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the onions, creating a beautiful contrast.
Expert Tips
- Patience with the onions: Don’t rush the caramelisation process. The slow cook gives the onions their deep, rich flavor. Stir occasionally, but let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes at a time to get those sweet, brown bits.
- Choose the right goats cheese: Go for a soft, creamy goats cheese. If you pick a firmer one, it might not melt as nicely over the onions.
- Use fresh herbs: A sprinkle of thyme before baking adds an herbal freshness that complements the richness of the tart. You can even add rosemary if you like something a bit more robust.
- Serving suggestion: This tart pairs wonderfully with a light green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad contrasts nicely with the richness of the tart.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile, and there are plenty of ways you can mix it up to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Add some greens: Throw some spinach or arugula on top of the tart before serving. It adds color and a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the onions.
- Swap the cheese: If you’re not a fan of goats cheese, you can use feta or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Add protein: Crumbled bacon or cooked chicken can be added to make the tart more filling.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free pastry or even a cauliflower crust for a healthier alternative.
- Vegan version: You can make this tart vegan by swapping the butter for olive oil and using a vegan cheese alternative that melts well.
Final Words
What makes Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion and Goats Cheese Tart stand out is the balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require a ton of time or effort. Plus, it’s flexible enough to work for almost any occasion-whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for something special to take to a party.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese In Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart?
Yes, you can substitute the goats cheese with other cheeses like feta or cream cheese, but it may change the flavor.
How Do I Prevent The Tart From Becoming Soggy?
Make sure to pre-bake the pastry base for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling to keep it crisp.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart In Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tart up to a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.