Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

This rustic onion cottage cheese tart brings together the delicate sweetness of pearl onions with creamy cottage cheese on a buttery shortcrust base. I discovered this recipe during my quest to create elegant yet simple vegetarian meals that feel special without requiring advanced culinary skills.

I first made this tart for a weekend lunch with friends who were skeptical about cottage cheese in a savory application. Their doubts vanished with the first bite, and now it's my go-to recipe when hosting vegetarian guests.

Ingredients

• Pie crust: Offers the perfect buttery foundation for this savory tart. Store-bought works perfectly for convenience
• Cottage cheese: Creates a creamy, protein-rich filling with subtle tanginess
• Parmigiano: Adds depth and umami notes to balance the mild cottage cheese
• Pearl onions: Provide natural sweetness when caramelized. Choose firm, unblemished specimens
• Fresh egg: Binds the filling together while adding richness
• Olive oil: Helps the onions develop a beautiful golden hue
• Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the flavors. Use freshly cracked pepper for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the crust:

Press your chosen pie crust into a tart pan, making sure it's evenly distributed across the bottom and up the sides. The thickness should be consistent throughout to ensure even baking. If using store-bought, allow it to come to room temperature for easier handling.

Blind bake:

Using a fork, prick the entire surface of the crust multiple times to prevent air bubbles from forming. Place in a preheated 200°C oven for 10 minutes. This crucial step ensures your crust will be crisp rather than soggy once filled.

Mix the filling:

Crack an egg into a mixing bowl and whisk it lightly with a fork until just combined. Add cottage cheese, grated parmigiano, and salt, stirring until everything is well incorporated but still maintaining some texture. The consistency should be spreadable but not runny.

Prepare the onions:

Peel the pearl onions and slice them lengthwise into thin slices. Take your time here as uniform slices will cook more evenly. Brush the top side lightly with olive oil which will help them caramelize beautifully in the oven.

Assemble the tart:

Remove the par-baked crust from the oven and immediately spread the cheese mixture evenly across the bottom. Work quickly while the crust is still warm. Arrange the sliced onions decoratively over the top, ensuring the oiled sides face upward.

Final bake:

Return the assembled tart to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes at 200°C. The tart is done when the edges are golden brown, the filling is set, and the onions have caramelized to a beautiful amber color.

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The pearl onions are truly the star of this dish. I originally tried making this with regular onions but discovered that the natural sweetness and delicate size of pearl onions create a more elegant presentation and balanced flavor profile. My Italian grandmother always said that in simple recipes, every ingredient should shine on its own merit.

Make-Ahead Options

This tart shines as a make-ahead dish. You can prepare the entire tart up to a day in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. Simply bring it to room temperature before baking. Alternatively, bake it earlier in the day and serve at room temperature for a hassle-free entertaining option that still impresses guests.

Flavor Variations

While the classic version is stunning, this tart welcomes creative variations. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling, or scatter halved cherry tomatoes among the onions for bright bursts of color and acidity. For a more substantial version, layer thin slices of zucchini or leeks beneath the onions.

Serving Suggestions

For the perfect lunch, serve this tart with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing complements the richness of the tart beautifully. A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio makes this humble tart feel like a special occasion meal. For a more substantial dinner, add a cup of tomato soup on the side.

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Storage Tips

This tart keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a 160°C oven for about 10 minutes until just warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch but may soften the crust. For best results, avoid freezing as the texture of the cottage cheese filling can become grainy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pastry for the tart?

Yes, store-bought shortcrust pastry works perfectly for this tart. You may also make your own if desired.

→ What onions work best for this tart?

Pearl onions are ideal for this recipe due to their sweetness and size. Regular onions may be used if sliced thinly.

→ Can I substitute Parmigiano with another cheese?

Yes, you can use grated Pecorino or any hard cheese with a similar consistency and flavor profile.

→ Can I make this tart in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the tart. Reheat in the oven for best results before serving.

→ How should I serve the tart?

The tart pairs well with a fresh salad and a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water.