Save to Pins Inspired by the vibrant hues of autumn maple leaves, Feuilles d'Érable Tartes Salées d'Automne masterfully blends the comforting flavors of roasted seasonal vegetables with the subtle sweetness of maple syrup. This savory tart, encased in a delicately flaky pastry, is a perfect celebration of fall's bounty and French culinary elegance.
Save to Pins This tart is not only visually stunning, with its golden crust resembling delicate maple leaves, but it also delivers a warm, inviting flavor profile that is both comforting and refined. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal, it embodies the spirit of French seasonal cooking.
Ingredients
- Pastry
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 125 g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tbsp cold water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Filling
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 100 g goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 eggs
- 150 ml crème fraîche
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- 2. Prepare the pastry:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cold butter and rub into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg yolk and just enough cold water to form a dough. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 20 minutes.
- 3. Meanwhile, toss sweet potato and butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and tender. Reduce oven to 180°C (350°F).
- 4. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the red onion until soft and caramelized, about 10–12 minutes.
- Stir in maple syrup and cook 2 minutes more. Set aside.
- 5. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and line a tart pan (23 cm/9 in).
- Prick the base with a fork and blind-bake for 10 minutes.
- 6. In a bowl, whisk eggs, crème fraîche, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- 7. Layer the roasted vegetables and caramelized onions in the tart shell.
- Sprinkle with goat cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the filling.
- 8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
- 9. Cool slightly before unmolding.
- Optionally, use a maple leaf cookie cutter to shape extra pastry decorations, bake, and place on top before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Chilling the pastry dough thoroughly before rolling helps achieve a tender and flaky crust. When caramelizing the onions, be patient and stir frequently to develop a rich, deep flavor. Using fresh thyme leaves enhances the aromatic quality of the tart significantly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan adaptation, swap the butter for plant-based alternatives, omit the eggs, and replace crème fraîche and goat cheese with oat cream and vegan cheeses. Experiment with additional vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or roasted parsnips for different textures and flavors.
Serviervorschläge
Serve warm or at room temperature alongside a crisp arugula salad sprinkled with toasted walnuts to complement the tart’s richness and add a fresh contrast to the dish.
Save to Pins This Feuilles d'Érable Tartes Salées d'Automne invites you to savor the flavors of fall in every bite, combining rustic charm with refined French technique. Whether for an elegant dinner or a comforting meal, it embodies the season’s spirit and brings warmth to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What vegetables are used in this tart?
Sweet potato and butternut squash are roasted to tender perfection and layered inside the tart for rich autumn flavors.
- → How is the onion prepared?
The red onion is thinly sliced and slowly caramelized in butter with maple syrup, adding a sweet and savory depth.
- → Can I make this tart vegan?
Yes, by swapping plant-based butter for regular butter, omitting eggs, and using oat cream and vegan cheese alternatives.
- → What type of cheese is recommended?
Goat cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy contrast to the sweet vegetables and maple glaze.
- → What is the best way to prepare the pastry?
The pastry is made with all-purpose flour, cold butter, egg yolk, and chilled for 20 minutes before blind baking to ensure a crisp base.
- → How long does it take to roast the vegetables?
Roast the diced sweet potato and butternut squash for about 20 to 25 minutes until golden and tender.