Description: Tarte au Maroilles is a savory tart originating from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. It features a flaky pastry crust filled with the pungent and creamy Maroilles cheese, bound together by a rich custard. This recipe delivers an authentic taste of northern France, offering a balance of textures and a delightful explosion of flavors. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for a cozy lunch, a casual dinner, or even a potluck gathering. The sharpness of the Maroilles is softened by the creamy custard and buttery crust, creating a harmonious blend that is both comforting and intriguing. Prepare to be transported to the heart of French countryside with every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 roll of puff pastry (approximately 230g)
- 250g of Maroilles cheese (ideally a matured one)
- 20 cl of crème fraîche épaisse (thick crème fraîche)
- 3 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of grated nutmeg (optional)
- Butter for greasing the tart pan
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F/ Gas Mark 4). Even oven temperature is crucial for a perfectly cooked tart, ensuring the crust is golden and the filling is set. Placing an oven thermometer inside will help ensure the temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Tart Pan
Lightly butter a 24 cm (9-inch) tart pan. This will prevent the tart from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking. You can also use a tart pan with a removable bottom for a flawless presentation. Consider using a pastry brush to evenly distribute the butter, reaching into all the nooks and crannies of the pan.
Step 3: Line the Tart Pan with Puff Pastry
Unroll the puff pastry sheet and gently place it into the prepared tart pan. Press the pastry firmly against the bottom and sides of the pan, ensuring it fits snugly. Trim any excess pastry hanging over the edge of the pan using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. A clean edge will result in a more polished final product. Dock the bottom of the pastry with a fork a few times; this prevents the pastry from puffing up unevenly during baking.
Step 4: Prepare the Maroilles Cheese
Cut the Maroilles cheese into slices approximately 5mm (¼ inch) thick. Arrange these slices evenly over the bottom of the puff pastry. The cheese should be distributed to ensure every bite has the wonderful flavor of maroilles. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, you can slightly reduce the amount of cheese, but the essence of the tart relies on the cheese, so be sure not to reduce it too much.
Step 5: Prepare the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and crème fraîche épaisse until smooth and well combined. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a pinch of grated nutmeg if desired for a warm, aromatic note. Ensure that the seasoning is well-balanced to complement the pungent flavor of the Maroilles cheese. The custard should be thick but pourable; this consistency is important to hold the tart together.
Step 6: Assemble the Tart
Pour the custard mixture over the Maroilles cheese slices, ensuring that it is evenly distributed over the entire surface. Gently tilt the pan to allow the custard to settle between the cheese slices. Be careful not to overfill the tart pan, leaving a small amount of space at the top.
Step 7: Bake the Tart
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set and lightly golden on top. The tart is ready when the custard is slightly puffed and no longer wobbly.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan before removing it. Allowing the tart to cool slightly will help the custard set and prevent it from collapsing. Serve the Tarte au Maroilles warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Tarte au Maroilles is a delightful culinary experience. The creamy, pungent flavor of the Maroilles cheese is perfectly balanced by the flaky pastry and the rich custard, creating a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps. The hearty, satisfying flavors make it an ideal choice for a casual lunch, a cozy dinner, or even a potluck gathering. It’s a fantastic way to introduce friends and family to the authentic flavors of northern France. Furthermore, it’s a unique dish that is not commonly found, ensuring your culinary creativity will be admired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the tart.
- Serve with a glass of crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Blanc or a dry Riesling, to complement the flavors.
- Offer a selection of fresh herbs like chives or parsley for garnishing.
- Serve as part of a larger charcuterie board with cured meats and cheeses.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use a well-matured Maroilles cheese. However, avoid using an overly strong or ripe Maroilles, as it can overpower the other ingredients.
- If you don’t have crème fraîche épaisse, you can substitute it with heavy cream, but the texture may be slightly different.
- To prevent the pastry from browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- For a deeper, more complex flavor, consider adding a small amount of Dijon mustard to the custard mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with other cheeses or vegetables.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30-35 minutes Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving – estimations):
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
- Protein: 15-20g
- Sodium: 400-600mg (depending on the salt content of the cheese)
Conclusion:
The Tarte au Maroilles is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey to the heart of northern France. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation belie the complex and satisfying flavors that this tart delivers. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to experience a taste of French culinary tradition. Bon appétit!
Questions and Answers about Tarte au Maroilles:
Q1: What if I can’t find Maroilles cheese? Are there any substitutes?
A: Maroilles cheese is unique, but if it’s unavailable, you can try using a different soft, washed-rind cheese with a similar pungent flavor profile. Livarot or Époisses could be acceptable substitutes, although they will alter the final taste. Ensure the cheese has a similar creamy texture to Maroilles for the best result. If you are using a different cheese, taste it first and adjust the amount used to match the flavor intensity of Maroilles.
Q2: Can I make this tart ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the tart a few hours in advance. Assemble the tart but do not bake it. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed. Be aware that a cold tart may require slightly longer cooking time. Alternatively, you can bake the tart completely and then reheat it gently before serving.
Q3: Is it necessary to use crème fraîche épaisse, or can I use something else?
A: Crème fraîche épaisse provides the richness and thickness necessary for the custard. While heavy cream can be used as a substitute, it may result in a slightly thinner custard. To compensate, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the egg and cream mixture to help thicken it. Full-fat Greek yogurt could also be an alternative; just ensure it is smooth before mixing it with the eggs.
Q4: How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
A: Docking the pastry with a fork before adding the filling helps to prevent it from puffing up unevenly and becoming soggy. You can also par-bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the cheese and custard. This will help to create a more stable base and prevent the filling from soaking into the pastry.
Q5: Can I add other ingredients to the Tarte au Maroilles?
A: While the classic Tarte au Maroilles is simple, you can certainly add other ingredients to customize it to your taste. Caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy bacon lardons are all excellent additions that complement the flavor of the Maroilles cheese. Just be mindful not to overload the tart, as this can make it difficult to bake evenly.
