Springy Asparagus and Lemon Ricotta Tart Recipe
Prep Time:
1 hour
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Servings:
8 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 egg, whisked with 1 tablespoon water for an egg wash
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large lemon, finely zested (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
  • 2 ounces aged Manchego cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed of tough stalks
  • ⅓ cup thinly sliced radishes (about 6 medium radishes)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
  2. Unfold the puff pastry and place it on a sheet of parchment paper.
  3. Roll out the pastry to a 13x9-inch rectangle.
  4. Use a sharp knife to score a ½-inch border around all sides of the pastry. This helps to create a crust that can rise.
  5. Prick the inside of the pastry all over with a fork.
  6. Carefully lift the parchment paper and pastry onto a baking sheet.
  7. Use a pastry brush to add a little of the egg wash to the outer crust.
  8. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and lightly browned on the outer crust.
  9. Cool the pastry completely (about 20 minutes).
  10. While the pastry cools, make the filling by mixing together the ricotta, lemon zest, chives, pepper, and ½ teaspoon sea salt.
  11. In a large, shallow bowl, toss the asparagus and radishes with the olive oil and remaining ½ teaspoon sea salt.
  12. Use a vegetable peeler or knife to thinly shave the Manchego into slices.
  13. Carefully spread the ricotta mixture over the baked and cooled pastry.
  14. Add the Manchego in an even layer over the ricotta.
  15. Sprinkle on the tarragon.
  16. Arrange the asparagus in rows over the tarragon.
  17. Finish with the radish slices.
  18. Bake the tart for 15–20 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the asparagus and radishes are tender.
  19. Cool the tart for about 20 minutes, then cut into slices and serve.