Looking for a delightful dish that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds? Say hello to the Asparagus Ricotta Tart with a Polenta Crust! This Italian-inspired recipe combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the fresh crunch of asparagus, all nestled atop a golden, savory polenta crust. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this tart is not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying. With just 50 minutes of your time, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9-inch tart pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the polenta, reducing heat to low. Stir continuously for 10-12 minutes until the polenta becomes thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove polenta from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the hot polenta evenly into the prepared pan, creating a smooth, even crust. Allow to cool and set for 10-15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with remaining Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the polenta crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Trim the asparagus spears to fit the tart pan. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer over the ricotta mixture.
- Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the edges of the polenta are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired before serving.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the polenta crust a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and assemble the tart when you're ready to bake.
- Fresh Asparagus: Choose fresh, vibrant asparagus for the best flavor and texture. Look for firm stalks with tightly closed tips.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Adding a bit of goat cheese or mozzarella can enhance the flavor profile of the ricotta.
- Herb Infusion: For an extra layer of flavor, consider mixing in some fresh herbs like basil or thyme into the ricotta mixture.
- Serving Suggestions: This tart pairs beautifully with a light salad or a glass of white wine, making it a perfect dish for entertaining.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
