This Creamy Mushroom & Thyme Tart offers a mouthwatering combination of earthy mushrooms and fragrant thyme, all enveloped in a golden, flaky puff pastry. The richness of the cream perfectly complements the savory mushrooms, while the crispy edges of the pastry add a satisfying crunch. It’s a beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes. This tart is incredibly versatile – it can be served as an elegant appetizer, a satisfying lunch, or even as a showstopper at a dinner party. The creamy filling is rich yet balanced, and the thyme adds an aromatic touch that elevates the whole dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and delicious flavor.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 sheet puff pastry
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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300g mixed mushrooms, sliced
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2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out the puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
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Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
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Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Spoon the mushroom mixture onto the center of the puff pastry, leaving a border around the edges.
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Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to create a rustic tart.
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Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Mushroom & Thyme Tart: A Delightful Savory Treat
If you’re looking for a savory treat that’s both elegant and comforting, this Creamy Mushroom & Thyme Tart is the perfect recipe. This dish brings together the earthy flavors of mushrooms, the fragrant touch of thyme, and a rich, creamy filling, all encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry. It’s a simple yet sophisticated recipe that will elevate any meal and is ideal for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this tart is sure to impress.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
One of the standout features of this tart is the balance between the savory mushrooms and the delicate creaminess of the filling. Mushrooms are incredibly versatile, offering a deep, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with fresh thyme. Thyme, with its subtle citrusy notes, adds brightness and depth to the mushrooms without overpowering them. The addition of cream in this tart ensures a smooth, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy puff pastry.
The puff pastry itself adds an irresistible crunch and a light, buttery texture that forms the perfect vessel for the creamy mushroom filling. Each bite is a delightful combination of soft, creamy mushrooms, aromatic thyme, and crispy pastry. This recipe truly brings the best of both worlds, blending rich flavors and textures in a way that will have your taste buds dancing.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this Creamy Mushroom & Thyme Tart is its versatility. It can easily transition from a light lunch to a sophisticated dinner party dish. You can serve it as an appetizer at a dinner gathering, or as the main event for a vegetarian meal. It also works wonderfully as a brunch item alongside a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this tart holds up beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or a picnic.
The flavor profile is so universal that it pairs wonderfully with a variety of wines. If you’re hosting a dinner party, this dish would go perfectly with a light, crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio. For red wine lovers, a soft Pinot Noir could also work wonderfully with the earthy flavors of the mushrooms.
Health Benefits of Mushrooms in This Tart
Mushrooms are more than just delicious; they’re also packed with nutrients. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals such as B-vitamins, copper, potassium, and antioxidants. One of the standout benefits of mushrooms is their role in supporting immune health due to their beta-glucan content, which helps to boost the immune system. Additionally, mushrooms are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to any healthy diet.
Mushrooms also provide a good amount of plant-based protein, making this tart a great option for those who follow vegetarian or plant-based diets. The addition of fresh thyme not only enhances the flavor but also adds additional health benefits. Thyme is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help in fighting off infections and boosting overall well-being.
The creamy element of the tart comes from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, both of which add richness and indulgence to the recipe. While these ingredients contribute to the overall richness of the dish, they also provide some beneficial nutrients such as calcium from the cheese and healthy fats from the cream. For a lighter alternative, you can easily substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based option like coconut cream or almond milk.
Why This Tart is a Must-Try
This Creamy Mushroom & Thyme Tart stands out not just because of its taste but also because of how easy it is to prepare. Using store-bought puff pastry eliminates the time-consuming task of making dough from scratch, making it perfect for busy days when you still want to enjoy a homemade meal. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, making it a great option for home cooks looking for a quick yet impressive dish.
The recipe is also highly customizable. You can experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms, to create unique variations of the tart. If you prefer a more decadent version, you could even add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of truffle oil for a touch of luxury. If you want to make the dish vegan or dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use vegan cheese for the Parmesan.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This tart is a great option for meal prep because it can be made ahead and stored for later use. Simply bake the tart, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge for up to three days. It’s easy to reheat, and in fact, many people find that the flavors intensify after being stored overnight. You can also freeze the tart for longer storage—just be sure to wrap it well to preserve its crispiness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the oven to warm up, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal ready to go.
Serving Suggestions
This tart is best served with fresh sides to complement its rich flavors. A simple arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the mushrooms and cream. You could also serve it with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for a hearty meal. If you’re serving it as part of a larger spread, consider adding some fresh bread or a fruit-based chutney to balance the savory flavors of the tart.
If you want to go all out, serve the tart with a dessert like a light lemon sorbet or a fruit salad. The contrast between the savory mushroom tart and the refreshing sweetness of a citrus dessert makes for a perfectly balanced meal.
Conclusion
This Creamy Mushroom & Thyme Tart is a truly versatile and delightful dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s the perfect blend of rich, savory flavors and textures, with the earthy mushrooms, fresh thyme, and buttery puff pastry coming together in a harmonious and satisfying way. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family meal, or a dinner party, this tart is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, customizable to suit your dietary preferences, and packed with nutrients. So, the next time you’re craving a flavorful, comforting dish, give this Creamy Mushroom & Thyme Tart a try – you won’t regret it!