Leek, Mushroom & Thyme Tart: A Savory Delight for Any Occasion

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shell

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the crust: If you’re using a store-bought tart shell, simply place it in a tart pan and lightly prick the bottom with a fork to allow steam to escape. If you’re using a homemade tart crust, roll it out and fit it into the tart pan, again pricking the bottom with a fork.
3. Blind bake the crust: To ensure your tart crust stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy, you’ll need to blind bake it. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with baking weights or dried beans. Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove the crust from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté the leeks: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and starting to turn golden. Leeks have a naturally sweet, mild flavor that becomes even more intense when cooked.
2. Add the mushrooms and garlic: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown. Add the minced garlic and thyme and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cool the filling: Once the leek and mushroom mixture is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before adding it to the tart shell. This prevents the filling from making the crust soggy.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

1. Make the egg mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Stir in the Parmesan cheese for added flavor and creaminess, if desired. Season the mixture with a little salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

1. Fill the tart shell: Spoon the leek and mushroom mixture evenly into the pre-baked tart shell.
2. Pour the egg mixture: Gently pour the egg and cream mixture over the leek and mushroom filling, making sure the custard is evenly distributed. The egg custard will bind the filling together as it bakes, creating a luscious, creamy texture.

Step 5: Bake the Tart

1. Bake the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden on top. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center of the tart—the knife should come out clean when the tart is ready.
2. Cool and serve: Once the tart is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the custard to firm up and makes it easier to slice.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: For an extra touch of flavor and color, sprinkle the tart with fresh thyme leaves or a light drizzle of olive oil before serving.
2. Serve: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The Leek, Mushroom & Thyme Tart is the perfect combination of earthy flavors and a creamy custard filling. The leeks add a subtle sweetness, while the mushrooms bring an earthy richness, and the thyme adds a fragrant, herbal touch. The egg custard binds the ingredients together, creating a velvety texture that complements the crispy, buttery crust.

By using a pre-made tart shell, you save time without sacrificing flavor. However, if you’re in the mood for a more hands-on approach, making a homemade pastry dough will elevate the tart even further.

This tart is wonderfully versatile and can be served for any occasion. It’s light enough to enjoy for brunch or lunch, yet sophisticated enough to serve as an appetizer at a dinner party or holiday gathering.

Tips and Variations

• Add cheese: If you love cheesy tarts, consider adding a bit of goat cheese or Gruyère to the filling for extra flavor and richness.
• Switch up the vegetables: While leeks and mushrooms make a perfect pairing, you can also add other vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers to create your own twist on the recipe.
• Vegan version: For a vegan option, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative and substitute the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed meal or chia seeds and water (to create a vegan egg substitute).
• Make-ahead option: This tart can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Simply reheat it in a low-temperature oven for about 10 minutes before serving.

Health Benefits of Leeks and Mushrooms

Both leeks and mushrooms bring significant health benefits to this tart. Leeks are rich in vitamin K, which supports bone health, and are also a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion. Mushrooms, particularly cremini or button mushrooms, are packed with antioxidants, including selenium and vitamin D, which support the immune system. Together, these ingredients make for a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Conclusion

The Leek, Mushroom & Thyme Tart is the perfect savory dish to enjoy on any occasion, from a casual brunch to an elegant dinner party. With its flaky crust, earthy filling, and creamy custard, it’s a dish that will impress both in flavor and presentation. Whether you make it for yourself or share it with others, this tart is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the simple joy of creating a delicious homemade tart that’s perfect for any occasion!