Method
These elegant caramelised onion and goat's cheese tartlets are packed with sweet, savoury flavour and make an excellent starter for dinner parties or special occasions.
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C fan (or 220°C conventional). Line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Caramelise the onions
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over a medium-low heat.
Add the sliced onions and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden.
3. Add flavouring
Stir in:
1tsp brown sugar
1tsp balsamic vinegar
¼tsp salt
¼tsp black pepper
Cook for a further 5 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelised. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the pastry
Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into 6 equal squares.
Place the squares onto the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each one.
5. Create the borders
Using a knife, lightly score a border approximately 1cm from the edge of each pastry square, being careful not to cut all the way through.
6. Add the topping
Divide the caramelised onions evenly among the pastry squares, spreading them within the scored borders.
Top each tartlet with slices of goat's cheese.
Sprinkle over the fresh thyme leaves.
7. Brush with egg
Brush the pastry borders with the beaten egg to help them turn golden during baking.
8. Bake
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and golden brown.
9. Cool slightly
Remove from the oven and allow the tartlets to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
10. Serve
Serve warm as a starter, garnished with a few extra thyme leaves if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple rocket salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
Drizzle with a little extra balsamic glaze before serving.
Serve alongside a bowl of soup for a more substantial starter.
