Spring Asparagus Tart

By courtneyj87

Beautiful and delicious, this asparagus tart is a perfect spring dish when the asparagus is tender and sweet. Serve as part of a brunch, side dish or appetizer. The layer of mascarpone complements the asparagus.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup mascarpone
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 lemon, zest finely grated, about 1 tablespoon
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
• 1 pound pencil asparagus, woody bottoms trimmed off
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lightly dressed greens, for serving

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour the work surface and roll out the puff pastry to a 9 x 12 inch even rectangle. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Combine the mascarpone, 1 1/4 teaspoons of the salt, the flour, egg and lemon zest, and then fold in the chives and tarragon. Spread over the puff pastry, leaving a 3/4-inch border. Make small cuts around the border about 1 inch apart with the tip of a paring knife.

Toss the asparagus with the olive oil in a bowl. Lay half of the asparagus in a neat row across the surface of the tart so the tips meet the edge. Do the same in the opposite direction with the remaining asparagus. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and some pepper. Bake until the border of the tart is deep golden and puffed and the top is lightly spotted golden brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes and serve.

Serve with lightly dressed greens.