Asparagus Lemon Ricotta Tart Recipes

ASPARAGUS AND RICOTTA TARTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan180°C/gas 6. Unroll the pastry and cut into 4 rectangles, each about 16 x 12cm. Use a knife to mark out a smaller rectangle on each piece, big enough to hold 4-6 asparagus spears - don't cut through the pastry. Mark the borders in a neat lattice pattern, then transfer to a large baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, until just puffy and slightly coloured. Set aside to cool slightly, then depress the risen window gently with the back of a fork.
• Meanwhile, lightly mix the ricotta, Parmesan and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir in the tomatoes but not too vigorously or you'll end up with a pink mess. Season with a little salt and plenty of black pepper. Divide the ricotta mix between the pastry cases, putting it in the middle of each and spreading it out just a little. Cover with the asparagus spears and press just slightly into the ricotta. Drizzle with the oil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the asparagus looks wrinkly and soft.
• Serve the tarts, garnished with the mint and chives.

ASPARAGUS - RICOTTA TARTS

Steps:

• Unfold the pastry onto a piece of parchment paper or foil.
• Roll 1/2" bigger on all sides.
• Slide the paper/foil (and pastry) onto a baking sheet.
• Now, divide the pastry sheet into 8 equal square.
• Lightly brush a 1/4" border of egg around each of the 8 pastry squares.
• Add the 1 Tsp of ricotta mix on each pastry square and spread it to cover the square leaving the edges.
• Top each pastry square with the asparagus (fits 5 stems) and drizzle olive oil on each.
• Bake until the crust is golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.
• Turn off the oven and transfer the tarts to a serving plate.
• Sprinkle some grated cheese and pepper on each.
• Serve freshly baked.

ASPARAGUS AND RICOTTA TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F and place oven rack in lower third of oven. Unfold the pastry onto a piece of parchment paper and roll 1/2" bigger on all sides. Slide the parchment (and pastry) onto a baking sheet.
• Beat the egg in a bowl. Lightly brush a 1/2" border of egg around the pastry. Add the ricotta and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper to the bowl with the remaining egg. Finely grate the zest of the lemon into the bowl; mix to combine. Fold in the chopped scallions and chopped herbs, then spread onto the pastry, leaving the 1/2" border of egg uncovered.
• Top with the asparagus and drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Bake until the crust is golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.
• In a bowl, combine the juice of the lemon, the honey, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Toss with the greens and remaining scallions and herbs. Serve with the tart.

CHEESY PUFF PASTRY ASPARAGUS TART

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 220ºC/430ºF. Line a baking sheet with baking/parchment paper.
• To make the cheese mixture, combine the cream cheese, egg yolks, Parmesan, thyme, lemon zest, salt and pepper and mix well.
• Gently roll the puff pastry out into a large rectangle (to fit the baking sheet). Score a border around the edge (taking care not to cut all the way through the pastry).
• Spread the cream cheese mixture onto the puff pastry, staying within the borders then top with the asparagus and season with salt and pepper.. Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg.
• Place the tart into the oven and allow to bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden and cooked through.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

ASPARAGUS, LEMON & RICOTTA TART

Steps:

• Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a circle roughly 35cm in diameter. Use the rolling pin to pick up the pastry, then drape it over a 27cm deep, loose-bottomed tart tin. Press the pastry into the sides, then prick the base with a fork. Cover with cling film, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 mins.
• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Unwrap the tart and line with baking parchment and baking beans. Cook on a baking sheet for 10-15 mins, until just starting to firm up. Beat 1 of the eggs. Remove the beans and baking parchment, then lightly brush the tart all over with the beaten egg. Cook for another 5-10 mins until the pastry is golden and crisp all over, then leave to cool.
• Reduce the oven to 180C/fan 160C/ gas 4. Whisk together the remaining eggs, then pour in the cream and lemon zest and whisk until well combined. Season with salt and pour into a large jug. Pour the cream mixture into the tart case, then arrange the asparagus spears on top. Dollop over teaspoonfuls of ricotta and sprinkle with the mint, then carefully slide into the oven. Cook for 25-30 mins until the quiche is set with just the faintest wobble in the middle. Leave to cool at least 10 mins before serving either warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with salt flakes.