
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)

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
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter until melted. Add shallots and fennel slices.
- 3
Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper, then cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
- 4
Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a floured surface and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
- 5
Spread the caramelized shallot and fennel mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- 6
Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese on top of the mixture.
- 7
Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- 8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- 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
In a large bowl, toss the arugula with the orange segments and dressing until well coated.
- 11
Once the tart is baked, let it cool slightly before slicing.
- 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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