Asparagus And Ricotta Tarts Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out pastry on floured surface to 13x10-inch rectangle. Cut off 1/2-inch-wide strip from all 4 sides. Brush strips on 1 side with some of beaten egg, then press strips, egg side down, onto edges of pastry to adhere, forming raised border. Brush border with egg; reserve remaining beaten egg. Transfer to baking sheet. Chill while preparing filling.
• Steam asparagus just until crisp tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl of ice water to cool. Drain. Cut off top 2 to 3 inches of asparagus tops; set aside. Coarsely puree remaining asparagus stalks in processor. Add remaining beaten egg, ricotta, 3 teaspoons oil, and salt;process until thick puree forms. Transfer to bowl; stir in salami and 1/3 cup Comté cheese; season with pepper. Spread mixture evenly over pastry. Sprinkle with remaining 1/3 cup Comté cheese. Toss asparagus tips with remaining 1 teaspoon oil; arrange tips over filling.
• Bake tart until filling is set, about 25 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Steps:

• Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a circle roughly 35cm in diameter. Use the rolling pin to pick up the pastry, then drape it over a 27cm deep, loose-bottomed tart tin. Press the pastry into the sides, then prick the base with a fork. Cover with cling film, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 mins.
• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Unwrap the tart and line with baking parchment and baking beans. Cook on a baking sheet for 10-15 mins, until just starting to firm up. Beat 1 of the eggs. Remove the beans and baking parchment, then lightly brush the tart all over with the beaten egg. Cook for another 5-10 mins until the pastry is golden and crisp all over, then leave to cool.
• Reduce the oven to 180C/fan 160C/ gas 4. Whisk together the remaining eggs, then pour in the cream and lemon zest and whisk until well combined. Season with salt and pour into a large jug. Pour the cream mixture into the tart case, then arrange the asparagus spears on top. Dollop over teaspoonfuls of ricotta and sprinkle with the mint, then carefully slide into the oven. Cook for 25-30 mins until the quiche is set with just the faintest wobble in the middle. Leave to cool at least 10 mins before serving either warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with salt flakes.