Caramelized Shallot and Fennel Tart with Citrus Arugula Salad - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Caramelized Shallot and Fennel Tart with Citrus Arugula Salad

This tart is what I call pure, golden magic! Sweet, caramelized shallots and fennel nestled in flaky perfection meet their match with a zesty citrus arugula salad. It’s savory, fresh, and oh-so-fancy, but guess what? It’s sneaky-simple to make. Let’s whip this up together!

4.0 out of 5 (2 ratings)

Have you ever wanted a dish that looks like it was plucked straight from a quaint French café, but is secretly so simple to create that it feels like you’ve hacked the system? Well, hello, Caramelized Shallot and Fennel Tart with Citrus Arugula Salad! This recipe is a powerhouse of sophistication and flavor without requiring a culinary degree or hours of effort. I mean, just imagine flaky, golden pastry topped with caramelized, sweet shallots and fennel, paired with the tangy brightness of a citrus-dressed arugula salad. You’ll feel like a food artist in your own kitchen—beret optional!

Caramelized Shallot And Fennel Tart With Citrus Arugula Salad Recipe

What makes this tart so spectacular is the way the flavors symphonize together (yes, symphonize—I’ve declared it a verb for this dish). The shallots and fennel mellow and caramelize into a natural, sweet richness that’s downright swoon-worthy. Pair this with a buttery crust that cradles all those delicate flavors, plus the salad: peppery arugula tossed in a citrus vinaigrette that’s bursting with orange and lemon zest. The bright acidity slices through the richness of the tart like a perfectly sharpened blade, making every bite balanced and exciting. Plus, fennel doesn’t get nearly enough love in the kitchen—this recipe gives it the center stage it deserves!

Here’s a little insider tip: patience is your best friend when caramelizing those shallots and fennel. Keep the heat at a medium-low level, let them soften and turn golden slowly, and stir occasionally so they don’t stick. Meanwhile, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could jazz up your tart crust by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or an herb like thyme to the dough for a little extra oomph. Oh, and when it comes to that citrus vinaigrette—freshly squeezed citrus is the secret weapon. It transforms the salad from “lovely” to “wow, I didn’t know a salad could taste this good.”

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and impress your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to share this meal with you). Serve it as a light dinner, brunch centerpiece, or even as an appetizer to truly wow your guests. You could also switch up the filling with roasted cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced zucchini if you want to experiment. And don’t forget the salad! Its fresh and zesty profile ties everything together like a melody in perfect harmony. So, roll up your sleeves, take a deep sniff of that caramelized goodness, and remind yourself that food is meant to be a celebration. Let’s dig in!

Keywords: caramelized shallot tart recipe, homemade fennel tart recipe, citrus arugula salad ideas, easy tart and salad recipes, fennel vegetarian tart recipe, flaky tart crust tips.

Prep Time

40 minutes

Cook Time

55 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

French

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 cups baby arugula
  • 1 orange, segmented
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter until melted. Add shallots and fennel slices.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper, then cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.

  4. 4

    Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a floured surface and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.

  5. 5

    Spread the caramelized shallot and fennel mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

  6. 6

    Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese on top of the mixture.

  7. 7

    Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.

  8. 8

    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

  9. 9

    While the tart is baking, prepare the salad. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, honey, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

  10. 10

    In a large bowl, toss the arugula with the orange segments and dressing until well coated.

  11. 11

    Once the tart is baked, let it cool slightly before slicing.

  12. 12

    Serve slices of the tart alongside scoops of the citrus arugula salad.

Nutrition Information

Calories

420 calories

Protein

9g

Carbs

34g

Fat

28g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Gruyere?

A: Yes, you can substitute Gruyere with other melty cheeses such as Fontina, Swiss, or even a mild cheddar. For a more robust flavor, you could also try goat cheese or blue cheese, though it will change the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

A: If you don't have puff pastry, you can use pie crust or phyllo dough as alternatives. For pie crust, roll it out to a similar size as the puff pastry. For phyllo dough, layer 4-5 sheets, brushing each with olive oil or butter to create a flaky base.

Q: How can I caramelize the shallots and fennel faster?

A: To speed up caramelization, you can increase the heat slightly, but be careful to stir more frequently to avoid burning. Adding a splash of water or stock during cooking can also help soften the shallots and fennel more quickly.

Q: How long can I store leftovers, and how should I reheat them?

A: Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tart in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to crisp up the pastry. Avoid microwaving as it will make the pastry soggy.

Q: Can I make this tart and salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the caramelized shallot and fennel mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the tart just before serving. The salad should be made fresh, as the arugula wilts quickly once dressed.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

A: This dish is already vegetarian, but to make it vegan, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a vegan puff pastry, and omit the Gruyere or use a vegan cheese substitute. Replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and a touch of oil for browning.

Q: What are some variations or additional toppings I can use for the tart?

A: You can add sliced cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or crushed walnuts for extra texture and flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary sprinkled on top before baking would also complement the caramelized shallots and fennel beautifully.

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