Caramelised Onion and Blue Cheese Tartlets

November 19, 2024

These tartlets are the perfect bite-sized indulgence, either as a starter on the big day or a light lunch. Featuring sweet, golden caramelised onions topped with tangy blue cheese or creamy vegan feta, they will have your guests asking for more. Easy to prepare and packed with flavour, they also make an excellent appetizer or party treat.

Ingredients (Makes 12 tartlets):

1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry (or shortcrust pastry for a sturdier base)
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted vegan butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
75 grams of blue cheese or vegan feta, crumbled
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6).
- Using a round cookie cutter (about 6-8 cm in diameter), cut 12 circles from the pastry sheet.
- Place the pastry circles into a muffin tin or mini tartlet tray, pressing them gently to form a base. Prick the bases lightly with a fork.
Caramelise the onions:
- Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and golden.
- Stir in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Cook for another 5 minutes until the onions are sticky and caramelised.
- Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and stir in the thyme leaves.
Assemble the tartlets:
- Spoon the caramelised onion mixture evenly into the prepared pastry cases.
- Top each tartlet with a crumble of blue cheese or vegan feta.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
Garnish and serve:
- Remove the tartlets from the tin and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and serve warm or at room temperature.