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Asparagus Pesto Ricotta Tart

A simple tart with a pesto ricotta layer is the base for seasonal produce, like beautiful asparagus spears. Serve with a side salad, and eggs for a great brunch or light dinner.
Course Appetizer, brunch, main
Cuisine North American
Keyword asparagus, pesto, puff pastry, ricotta cheese
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry defrosted in the fridge overnight (for gluten free version, see the link in the blog post)
  • 1 cup less 2 tbsp fresh ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp pesto see Notes
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 12 or so asparagus spears cleaned and ends trimmed
  • microgreens arugula, frisée for garnish
  • thinly sliced radishes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425F. On a floured surface and a well floured rolling pin, roll out the puff pastry to fit into a 9 inch round or similar sized rectangle tart pan with a removable bottom.
  2. Press the pastry down against the bottom and up against the sides.
  3. Pierce the bottom of the crust evenly with a fork. Line the shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
  4. Bake the shell for 10 minutes, then gently remove the parchment and weights. Continue baking the crust for another 6-7 minutes, or until golden. If the crust bubbled up in areas, just push down gently with a tea towel, and then set aside to cool.
  5. Combine the ricotta, parmesan, and pesto in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the egg and cream in a small bowl and whisk till combined. Add this to the cheese pesto mixture and mix together well.
  7. Spread it out gently all over the bottom of the cooled crust.
  8. Trim the asparagus to fit, and arrange on top of the filling. If some of the asparagus spears are especially thick you may want to slice them in half lenghwise so that they will bake at the same rate as the thinner spears.
  9. Bake until asparagus are tender and filling is lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven. Cool for approximately 5 minutes. Scatter greens and radishes over the top. If easier, cut into slices and then garnish and serve.

Recipe Notes

For a great tutorial on how to make pesto out of the greens of your choice, see my Ramp Pesto, a master recipe.