Italian Caramelised Onion, Spinach and Ham Tart
Posted on 10/11/2011

How many would it make: 8 portion

Ingredients list:

Pastry
2 cups Vitarium Plain Flour
80g cream cheese
200g cold unsalted butter (cubed)
2 tbsp natural yoghurt
1/4 tsp paprika and cayenne pepper
½ tsp salt
1 sprig rosemary, 2 sprigs thyme

Caramelised Onions
2 tbs olive oil
3 large red onions, sliced
2 tbs brown sugar
1 tbs balsamic vinegar
150g baby spinach
2-3 sprigs oregano/marjoram chopped

Filling
500g Creme Fraiche
150g grated parmesan cheese
3 large eggs
200g Gluten Free shredded ham


Method:

Pastry
Pre-Heat Oven to 190 degrees Celsius.
To make the pastry; place flour, butter, cream cheese, yoghurt, paprika, cayenne pepper and herbs into a food processor. Process until the mixture forms a ball. If the mixture is too dry and not forming a nice ball, then gradually add a little extra (1/2 - 1 tbsp) yoghurt. Pastry should not be wet or sticky. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.Roll out pastry between 2 sheets of plastic wrap to ½cm thick to fit a 30 x 40 cm greased tray, roll sides to form a rustic edge, prick with fork. Chill for 30 minutes. Bake for 10-15 mins till golden.
Caramelised Onions
Heat oil in a large frypan over low heat. Add the onions and a good pinch of salt and cook very slowly for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from catching. Don't be tempted to turn the heat up, as you don't want the onions to burn. When onions are softened and tinged golden, add sugar and balsamic - this will start the caramelisation process. Cook onion over low heat for a further 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sticky and caramelised. Add spinach and herbs and cook a further 2-3 mins.
Filling
In a jug, mix eggs, creme fraiche, grated parmesan.
Construction
Spread onion mixture over the pastry, sprinkle over the shredded ham, carefully spoon over the egg/cheese mixture and smooth with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle on a little extra grated parmesan and bake in a 190C oven for 20-30 mins or until golden and set.