Imagine a dish that combines the rustic elegance of French cuisine with the earthy sweetness of caramelized root vegetables, all nestled beneath a golden, flaky puff pastry. This Caramelized Root Vegetable Tarte Tatin with Feta is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to the charming countryside of France, where every bite tells a story of tradition, flavor, and pure gastronomic delight.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, beets)
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and peel the root vegetables, then cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even caramelization.
- In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add honey and stir to combine, creating a caramel base for the vegetables.
- Arrange the cut root vegetables in a single layer in the skillet, ensuring they are tightly packed. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the vegetables in the butter-honey mixture for 10-12 minutes, gently turning them to coat evenly and allow caramelization on all sides.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the caramelized vegetables.
- Carefully roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into a circle slightly larger than the skillet. Drape the pastry over the vegetables, tucking the edges down into the sides of the skillet.
- Cut a few small vents in the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Carefully invert the tart onto a serving plate by placing a large plate over the skillet and quickly flipping.
- Serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired. Slice into wedges and enjoy the caramelized, sweet, and savory flavors.
Tips
- Choose root vegetables of similar sizes to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and beautiful caramelization.
- Don't rush the caramelization process—low and slow is the key to developing deep, rich flavors.
- Make sure your puff pastry is cold when you place it over the vegetables to achieve maximum flakiness.
- Let the tart rest for a few minutes after inverting to allow the caramel to set slightly and prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the vegetables before caramelizing.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest pastry and most vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
