Oliver's Chili Peppers

Oliver's Chili Peppers

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Recipe Share: Potato, Cheese & Onion Tart


A few blogs ago, I mentioned in passing, a potato tart. I would like to share this recipe with you, in case you like to impress your friends and family with your culinary masterpieces. This recipe first impressed me in Vancouver over brunch with our very good friends. It might have been the experience, or the smell of the melted Gruyere, but this is one of the best things I have ever tasted. For you purists, don't balk at the use of ready to bake puff pastry or frozen hash browns. They are just time savers, make your own if you want. This recipe is being shared with you, from a beautiful Kitsilano kitchen...

  • 2 (9 1/2 by 9-inch) sheets puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 1/2 cups of shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 3 shallots, peeled and sliced thin
  • 1teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/3 cup créme fraiche or sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon



1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place puff pastry on baking sheet and press sheets together at the short ends. Brush perimeter with water and fold over to create 3/4-inch border. Poke interior with fork and make horizontal cuts around outer perimeter. Tops with 1 cup cheese and bake until golden, about 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, pat potatoes dry with paper towels. Cook bacon in large non-stick skillet over med-high heat until crisp. Transfer bacon to paper towel lined plate. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat. Add shallots and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Stir in potatoes, salt, and pepper and cook, 
stirring occasionally until lightly browned, 4-6 minutes. Stir in bacon.

3. Combine créme fraiche and tarragon in small bowl. Top parbaked pastry with potato mixture. Cover with remaining cheese and dollops of créme fraiche mixture. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Serves 4 people generously.