Imagine a dish that transforms humble onions into a culinary masterpiece, where golden caramelization meets buttery puff pastry in a stunning French-inspired creation. This Caramelized Sweet Onion Tarte Tatin is not just a recipe—it's an experience that will transport your taste buds to the charming countryside of France, promising a symphony of flavors that are both elegant and comforting.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove puff pastry from refrigerator and allow to soften at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Using a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan, melt butter over medium-low heat until it starts to foam and become golden.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly across the butter, creating a caramel base. Allow sugar to dissolve and start bubbling slightly.
- Add thinly sliced sweet onions to the skillet, spreading them in an even layer. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for approximately 15-20 minutes until they become soft, golden, and deeply caramelized.
- Remove skillet from heat and arrange onions in a uniform, overlapping pattern covering the entire bottom of the pan.
- Carefully drape the softened puff pastry over the caramelized onions, tucking edges down inside the skillet to create a sealed covering.
- Place skillet in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until pastry is puffed, golden brown, and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Place a large serving plate over the skillet and carefully invert to release the tart.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, slice, and serve warm as an appetizer or light main course.
Tips
- Choose sweet onions with a high sugar content for maximum caramelization and depth of flavor.
- Cook onions on low-medium heat to ensure even, slow caramelization without burning.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and beautiful presentation.
- Let the puff pastry soften at room temperature to prevent cracking when handling.
- Allow the tart to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make inverting easier.
- For a professional touch, use fresh thyme not just as a garnish, but to add a subtle herbal note.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest pastry and most vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 237kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 17mg
