The Ultimate Savory Fig and Feta Tart with Caramelized Onions
Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, flaky crust, followed by layers of sweet, sticky caramelized onions, vibrant fresh figs, and salty, creamy feta cheese. That’s exactly the experience this Feta Fig Onion Tart delivers. Yesterday, a serendipitous find of fresh figs at the supermarket sparked an immediate culinary inspiration. While delightful on their own, I envisioned transforming them into something truly special – a savory tart that beautifully balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes, creating an unforgettable dish perfect for any occasion.
The Endless Possibilities of Savory Tarts
While my heart often leads me to the world of sweet tarts, there’s an undeniable charm and versatility in their savory counterparts. Tarts are, without a doubt, one of the most adaptable dishes you can create. Forget rigid recipes; tarts invite creativity and improvisation. You can seamlessly transition from sweet to savory, and the filling possibilities are truly infinite. From a classic quiche brimming with fridge leftovers to sophisticated gourmet combinations, a tart shell is a blank canvas limited only by your imagination and the ingredients at hand. The beauty of a savory tart lies in its ability to be a main course, a delightful appetizer, or even a star at brunch.
My go-to for a quick savory meal is often a simple “throw-anything-in-your-fridge” Quiche. However, the inspiration for this particular tart stems from a delightful family recipe: my mother’s incredible Caramelised Onion Tart, traditionally made with a cumin shortcrust pastry. It’s a dish that always leaves an impression, and I wanted to add my own unique twist. I decided to introduce the vibrant sweetness of Figs, not just for their beautiful color but also for their fresh, earthy notes and unique texture. To complement this, I added creamy, salty Feta cheese, which provides a delightful tangy pop and cuts through the richness of the caramelized onions. A final flourish of peppery Rocket (also known as Arugula) as a garnish elevates the entire dish, offering a wonderful fresh contrast to the sweet and sour flavors within the tart.
Crafting the Core Flavors: Onions in Two Delicious Ways
The secret to the profound depth of flavor in this Feta Fig Onion Tart lies in preparing the onions in two distinct ways, each contributing a unique texture and taste profile. This dual approach ensures a complex and layered taste experience in every bite:
Onion & Balsamic Jam:
This sticky, sweet, and tangy jam forms the foundational layer of the tart. We achieve this by cooking one brown onion as finely as possible, then simmering it slowly with balsamic vinegar, water, and stock powder. The balsamic vinegar imparts a rich, complex sweetness with a hint of acidity, transforming the humble onion into a luxurious, concentrated spread. This jam provides a wonderful, deep counterpoint to the more delicate caramelized onions and the fresh figs, offering a burst of flavor that truly sets this tart apart.
Caramelised Onions:
For the main, hearty filling, two more brown onions are cut into thin, long strips and slow-cooked until they achieve that coveted golden-brown hue and incredibly soft, sweet texture. This patient process brings out their natural sugars, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both comforting and sophisticated. Seasoned with olive oil, minced garlic, stock powder, salt, pepper, and a touch of cumin, these onions become a highlight of the tart, offering a savory sweetness that is simply irresistible and complements the fresh figs beautifully.
The Perfect Base: Cumin Shortcrust Pastry
Every exceptional tart begins with an outstanding crust. For this Savory Fig and Feta Tart, I opted for a simple yet incredibly flavorful shortcrust pastry (Pate Brisée). What makes this pastry special and perfectly suited for our tart? The thoughtful addition of earthy cumin seeds directly into the dough. These tiny, aromatic seeds infuse the crust with a warm, slightly peppery aroma and a subtle crunch, creating a perfect foundation that not only holds the rich fillings but also adds another layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Making homemade pastry might seem daunting, but it’s a rewarding process that truly elevates the tart with its buttery, flaky texture. There’s a satisfaction in creating your own crust that store-bought versions simply can’t replicate. However, if time is of the essence or you prefer a simpler approach, a good quality store-bought shortcrust pastry will work beautifully as a convenient alternative. To ensure you don’t miss out on that signature aroma, simply sprinkle some cumin seeds evenly over the base of the store-bought pastry before baking. This quick trick ensures you still get that delightful, earthy essence without the extra effort of making the dough from scratch, making this delicious tart accessible to all bakers.
Assembling Your Masterpiece: Tips for Success
Once your onion jam and caramelized onions are ready, and your pastry is prepped, assembling this **Feta Fig Onion Tart** is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Here are a few tips to ensure your tart turns out perfectly, offering both visual appeal and exquisite taste:
- Blind Baking the Crust (Optional but Recommended): For a truly crisp base that stands up to the moist fillings, especially with the onion jam, consider blind baking your shortcrust pastry for about 10-15 minutes before adding the fillings. This crucial step helps prevent a soggy bottom, ensuring every bite is a delightful crunch.
- Layering with Care: Begin by spreading an even layer of the rich onion and balsamic jam on the bottom of the prepared pastry. This creates a wonderful sticky, flavorful foundation. Follow with the sweet and tender caramelized onions, spreading them out gently to cover the jam layer.
- Artful Fig Placement: Arrange your thinly sliced fresh figs artfully over the caramelized onions. Their vibrant color and unique shape not only add a touch of gourmet elegance but also ensure that their natural sweetness is distributed evenly throughout the tart.
- Generous Feta: Do not be shy with the feta crumbs! Sprinkle them generously all over the figs and onions. The feta will soften slightly and develop a beautiful golden crust as it bakes, providing that essential salty, tangy counterpoint that perfectly balances the sweetness of the figs and onions.
- The Critical Resting Period: After baking, it’s tempting to dive right in, but allow the tart to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to fully set and prevents it from crumbling when cut, ensuring beautiful, clean slices that hold their shape.
- The Rocket Finish: The addition of fresh rocket leaves (arugula) just before serving is not merely a garnish; it’s an integral part of the flavor profile. Its distinct peppery bite cuts through the richness and sweetness of the tart, adding a fresh, vibrant contrast that elevates every mouthful and makes the dish sing.
Why This Savory Fig and Feta Tart is a Must-Try
This Feta Fig Onion Tart stands out for its exceptional blend of flavors and textures, making it a truly unique and memorable dish. It’s a testament to how contrasting ingredients – the natural sweetness of figs, deepened by the caramelization of onions, met by the salty tang of feta and the earthy warmth of cumin-infused pastry – can come together in perfect harmony. It’s a sophisticated dish that feels gourmet yet is surprisingly approachable to make, proving that extraordinary flavors don’t always require extraordinary effort.
Whether you’re searching for an impressive appetizer to kick off a dinner party, a unique and flavorful addition to a brunch spread, a delightful light lunch, or even a picnic showstopper that will impress your guests, this tart fits the bill perfectly. It’s a seasonal celebration of fresh figs, making the most of their short but incredibly sweet season. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to complete a balanced, elegant, and utterly satisfying meal that your family and friends will rave about.
Recipe: Onion, Fig and Feta Tart
Onion, Fig and Feta Tart
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Onion & Balsamic Jam:
- 1 Brown Onion
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tbsp. Stock Powder
- 1 teasp. each Salt, Pepper, Cumin Powder
Caramelised Onions:
- 2 Brown Onions
- 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tbsp. Stock Powder
- 1 tbsp. Minced Garlic
- 1 teasp. each Salt, Pepper and Cumin Powder
Other:
- 2 Fresh Figs
- Feta Crumbs – to taste
- Fresh Rocket Leaves – to taste
Instructions
Onion & Balsamic Jam:
- Chop the Brown Onion as finely as possible.
Place it in a small pot on medium heat and cover with the Balsamic Vinegar, Water, Stock Powder and Spices.
- Let it reduce slowly until half of the liquid has evaporated.
- Transfer the mixture into a blender for a few seconds, then pour back into the pot and let it reduce completely. Remove from the stove when all the liquid is gone (be careful not to burn your pot…).
Alternatively, you can let it reduce completely at once on the stove (skip the blender step), but I was not patient enough for it…
Caramelised Onions:
- Cut the Onion in thin, long strips.
- In a large pan on medium heat, pour the Olive Oil, Stock Powder and Minced Garlic. Let it cook for 1 minute then add the Onion Strips. Stir well.
- Cover the Onions with the Water and bring to a boil. Add the Salt and Cumin Powder.
- Let it reduce completely (at least 15 to 20min). The Onions should have turned light-brown and soft. If they do not look cooked enough, add more water and let it reduce again.Add the Pepper, mix then remove from the heat.
To assemble the Tart:
- Turn your oven on 180°.
- Place the Onion & Balsamic Jam on the bottom of the shortcrust pastry.Cover with the Caramelised Onion.
- Slice thinly 2 Figs and place over the Onions
- Sprinkle generously some Feta Crumbs all over the tart.
- Cook in the oven for 20min, until the crust is cooked and the top of the feta crumbs start turning gold.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Add some fresh Rocket over the tart and serve.
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Nutrition (per serving)