Joseez
Culinary Explorer
I'm always up for experimenting in the kitchen, and this past weekend I whipped up something so delicious I had to come share it with you. It's a savory tart with a creamy goat cheese filling studded with sweet figs, all nestled in a flaky homemade crust. To finish it off, there's a balsamic glaze drizzle that adds a touch of tangy sweetness.
I know what you're thinking – goat cheese and figs? But trust me, the combination is phenomenal! The creamy goat cheese balances the sweetness of the figs perfectly, and the balsamic glaze adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Plus, the homemade crust is so easy to make and comes out perfectly golden and flaky every time.
This tart is a great appetizer or light lunch, and it's also impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
I know what you're thinking – goat cheese and figs? But trust me, the combination is phenomenal! The creamy goat cheese balances the sweetness of the figs perfectly, and the balsamic glaze adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Plus, the homemade crust is so easy to make and comes out perfectly golden and flaky every time.
This tart is a great appetizer or light lunch, and it's also impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling:
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 5-6 fresh figs, quartered
- For the Balsamic Glaze:
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Fresh thyme sprig (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly stir in the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix!
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to the prepared tart pan and crimp the edges. Dock the bottom of the crust with a fork a few times.
- Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the goat cheese, ricotta cheese, egg, honey, thyme, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust. Top with the quartered figs, pressing them gently into the filling.
- Bake the tart for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: While the tart is baking, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Add a sprig of fresh thyme for extra flavor, if desired. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze thickens and reduces by half.
- Let the tart cool slightly before slicing. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze and serve.