Rich, sweet onions nestle inside a crisp cheesy and herby wholemeal pastry crust, making this vegan caramelized onion tarte tatin such a great summertime lunch or supper, and it's perfect for picnics too!
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Vegan caramelised onion tarte tatin recipe
I have a garden full of onions. OK, slight exaggeration, I have roughly a quarter of a garden full of onions... of several varieties. There are fiery hot red spring onions, mild and sweet shallots, fledgling leeks, some huge - as yet - unidentified beastie onions, and lots of lovely, flavoursome brown ones.
We've had a ton of storms this past month - and actually, as I sit here typing, the tocsin is ringing out, warning people out in the fields that another - the second today - is about to hit, so they'd best find shelter, and make sure their animals are safe.
(Actually, I've also been told that the reason the tocsin rings is because people believe it dissipates the clouds, making the storm pass quickly.)
The thunder is almost deafening, the lightning spectacular, and the rain torrential. Thor is very definitely making his presence felt today!
But I digress...
All the storms we've had, while being great for most of the garden, have taken their toll on the alliums, and some of them are just two storms away from starting to rot in the ground. So today I pulled a couple of kilos of onions, and about a kilo of shallots... The latter of which I left out on the veranda to dry out.
Yeah, that hasn't happened yet.
The brown ones I thought I'd make this onion tarte tatin with - something I've not made for donkeys' years. And now that I've made one again, and my kitchen is filled with the most delicious onion, herb, and baked pastry aromas, I'm wondering why this is something I don't make more often.
What do I need to make this tarte tatin?
You don't need any fancy ingredients to make this onion tarte tatin - just a handful of regular stuff you can pick up from the grocery store and produce market (or your own garden!):
onions
herbs
flour
vegan butter or margarine
vegan Cheddar
nooch (nutritional yeast flakes)
Plus a little balsamic, olive oil, sugar, and salt & pepper, of course! The vegan cheese and nooch are entirely optional.
Making caramelized onion tarte tatin
Although at first glance it seems like a bit of a faff to make this caramelized onion tart but it's actually very easy to make, and there's very little actual hands-on work to be done, as most of the cooking is done in the oven.
In fact, once you've peeled and cut your onions, you simply have to arrange them in a little olive oil in a pan, leave them to slowly start to caramelise for 10 mins on the hob, then cover them over, and bake in the oven for another 40.
While the onions are baking, make some pastry, and bung it in the 'fridge to rest until the onions are done. Then once they're out of the oven, and you've reduced the juices (again, just leave the pan over a medium-low heat for 10 mins), pop on the pastry case, tuck it in, and chuck the whole thing back in the oven for 20-25 mins.
This caramelized onion tarte tatin really is very simple to make. Plus, it's so yummy, even people I know who don't like onions love this.
Oh wait, no, I don't actually know anyone who doesn't like onions... Because what kind of dang fool wouldn't? Hurr hurr.
Notes for making this tarte tatin
What is savory?
Savory (Satureja hortensis) is a fragrant herb. Summer savory is an annual, and as its name suggests, is at its peak during the summer months. Winter savory (Satureja montana), however, is a shrub that grows all year round. Although the flavour is almost the same, summer savory is sweeter than its perennial counterpart, and is hugely popular in Eastern European cooking, such as sarmale. I also use it in my Mediterranean summer vegetable tart.
I can't get fresh savory, what can I use instead?
If you live in an area with an Eastern European community, you'll be able to buy dried summer savory. For cooking the onions, use 1 tablespoon dried, and for the pastry, ½ tsp.
You could also use fresh or dried thyme or rosemary instead of savory. Quantities as before.
Do I have to use coconut palm sugar?
No, not at all - you could use some soft brown sugar instead. I just prefer to use coconut because I like the taste of it, and it's a bit more healthy than regular granulated. But really, use what's most convenient for you.
Which type of balsamic vinegar should I use?
Normally, I'd say to go for a balsamic that's been aged for at least 12 years, comes in a bulbous bottle, and has the words, Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena or Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia on the label; however, in this case, a reasonably decent one will be fine. Just try to avoid any that list ingredients other than grape must and vinegar. Sometimes the label will state that there are naturally occurring sulphites/sulfites - they're fine. You really don't want balsamic which contains added sugar, caramel, and 'natural flavours'.
I don't want to use vegan Cheddar or any kind of cheese, so will the pastry be dry?
If not using cheese, you'll need to add an extra 10g vegan butter/margarine.
I have gaps in between my onions - they don't fit into my skillet properly!
If necessary, cut some of the onions into quarters in order to fill the gaps.
How can I make sure the onions don't burn instead of caramelizing?
Depending on your hob, it may take a little more or less time to caramelize your onions, so do keep an eye on things. A diffuser comes in very handy if you cook on gas.
How long will this onion tarte tatin keep?
Like any caramelized onion tart, this is best eaten on the day it's made; however, it can be covered over, and stored at room temperature for 24 hours - just be aware that the pie crust may well soften.
Can I freeze this onion tart?
I haven't tried, and to be honest, I wouldn't either. It may be OK but I have a feeling that the onions would turn watery, and the pastry wouldn't crisp up again.
Why not check out these other vegan summer recipes while you're here?
You'll Love This Vegan Caramelized Onion Tarte Tatin
Because it's...
- sweetly savoury
- rich
- light yet filling
- easy to make
- frugal
- perfect for picnics and parties
- full of B12 and Vitamin C
- soooo delicious!
What should I serve with this onion tarte tatin?
This goes really well with my buckwheat and mung bean salad, and my loaded potato salad too. Or just have it on its own with a selection of crisp green leaves.
Bon appétit!
📖 Recipe
Vegan Caramelized Onion Tarte Tatin
Ingredients
For the caramelised onions:
- 1200 g medium onions
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon palm sugar
- 5 sprigs fresh savory
- Dash sea salt
- Dash ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh savory leaves
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
For the pastry:
- 75 g wholemeal (wholewheat) flour
- 50 g rye flour
- 50 g vegan butter or margarine
- 25 g grated vegan Cheddar (optional)
- 4 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh savory leaves
- 3 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
Caramelize the onions:
- Place a sturdy baking sheet (or roasting pan) into your oven, and pre-heat to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4).
- Peel and top & tail the onions, then cut them in half widthways (i.e. perpendicular to the root and stalk ends)
- Place a shallow non-stick ovenproof pan (e.g. a 25cm/10" cast iron skillet) over a medium heat, and add the oil and the palm sugar. Once it starts to sizzle, add the sprigs of savory.
- Place the onions, cut side down, into the pan, and arrange them so they all fit in, and season with the salt and pepper.
- Drizzle in the balsamic vinegar, and then sprinkle the savory leaves over the top.
- Reduce the heat (using a heat diffuser if necessary), and gently cook the onions for 10 mins.
- Cover the pan with a lid or some tinfoil, and then place onto the baking sheet, and bake in the centre of the oven for 40 mins. Test by sticking a skewer into the onions - they should be soft but still have some texture. If they're not quite ready, give them another 5 mins or so.
- Once the onions are cooked, remove the pan from the oven (leaving the baking sheet inside), and place on the hob over a medium heat for 10 mins or so, until the juices have reduced, and you're left with sticky onions in a small amount of syrup.
- Raise the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6).
Make the pastry:
- While the onions are in the oven, make the pastry by rubbing together the flours with the butter until you have what looks like breadcrumbs.
- Mix in the nutritional yeast and vegan Cheddar (if using), and savory leaves, and then bind it together with 2-3 tablespoon of cold water, to make a soft dough. Wrap, and place in the 'fridge for 30 minutes to rest.
Putting it all together:
- While the onions are reducing, roll out the pastry into 25cm (10") circle.
- Once the juices have reduced, turn off the heat under the pan, and carefully place the pastry over the top of the onions, making sure you tuck the edges down around them. Please don't burn yourself!
- Place the tarte onto the baking sheet in the centre of the oven, and bake for around 25 mins, until the pastry is crisp, and has turned a deeper-brown.
- Remove from the oven, and set aside to cool for 15 mins.
Finishing:
- Place a chopping board or large plate over the pan, and flip the whole thing over. Do wear oven gloves!
- Give the pan a bit of a shake to loosen its contents, and the tarte should come away cleanly. Any onions which have been left behind can be gently lifted with a flexible spatula, and placed into their respective gaps.
- Serve while still warm.
- 1 cup = US cup = 240 ml
- 1 tablespoon = US/UK = 15 ml
- 1 fl oz = US = 30 ml
Midge @ Peachicks' Bakery
This is gorgeous! Ill take a large slice please! 🙂 Off to pin for later!
Nico
I'll put some in the post for you, Midge! 😉 xx
johanna @ green gourmet giraffe
That looks delicious - your onion harvest sounds quite interesting too. I really love the idea of tarte tatin but often get too overwhelmed and lacking in the right ingredients. But we always have onions about - though not always in such quantities.
Nico
Thanks so much, Johanna - I'm glad it appeals to you. It really is so easy to make. As for the onions... I've actually just finished our harvest, so had to go and buy some from one of the local people selling theirs! I bought a 10 kilo sack for 12 lei (c. £2.20) - should last me few weeks! xx
Cat
Your photography is stunning and the tart looks beautiful too x
Nico
Thank you so much, Cat - your kind words really mean so much to me! xx
Helen
That looks absolutely amazing, and right up my street! I have only made a savoury tarte tatin once & that was also with onion, and I crumbled goats cheese over the top. I am drooling now thinking about it!
Nico
Ooh, I bet that was gorgeous! I love it with lemon ricotta (vegan, of course) but I suspect it would work really well with Gorgonzola too. Yum! xx
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain
Where do i start, i love this Nico. The simplicity, the flavours, and your pictures are absolutely stunning! I have to admit that I've never made an onion tart tatin before, but this certainly looks to blow the one at a fancy cafe sometime this past May out of the water! it really looks to have caramelised up really well. Thankyou too for joining in with #BakingCrumbs,
Angela x
Nico
Thank you so much for your kind words, Angela - I really appreciate them. And I hope you love this tart too, if you make it! xx
Katie Bryson
What an absolutely gorgeous tart Nico! I can imagine totally impressing anyone if I served it up for a group of friends coming over. Thanks for another gorgeous entry for Simple and in Season xx
Nico
I have to confess that whenever I look at the photos, my tummy starts to rumble! Ha ha! If you do make it, I'd love to know what you think of it! xx
Kat (The Baking Explorer)
Wow this tart looks stunning, I feel like I can almost taste it just by looking at the photos!!
Nico
Huzzah - my work here is done! LOL! xx
Vanessa Croessmann
Those shots are so gorgeous! I love onions and I'm so happy you made them the star of the dish since they are overlooked way too often. Pinning!
Nico
Thanks so much, Vanessa... and I agree, too often they're just used as a flavouring (not that there's anything wrong with that, of course) but they're so good as a vegetable in their own right! xx
Choclette
Oh, I was quite shocked to hear there were people out there who didn't like onions. Luckily you relieved me of that particular worry! This sounds totally gorgeous. I really like your use of rye flour - it's a much underrated grain. I've never made a tart tatin. Principally because I don't have the right type of pan. I haven't got one I can whack in and out of the oven JO style anyway.
Nico
Ha ha ha! I did actually meet one person who claimed they didn't like onions... after they'd finished a big bowl of one of my curries, which of course, had plenty of them in it! They were actually pretty miffed about it too - as though I'd deliberately tried to catch them out! Very silly!
I agree about rye flour - we need to get the word out there, I think! It's such a yummy grain isn't it? I love it in bread too.
What a shame you don't have an ovenproof pan; I admit that when I buy pans, I do try to always get ones that do double duty, especially if I'm carrying them around with me or where space is very limited. I've lived in some places where the pans have been complete rubbish - all thin and buckled, and full of hotspots. I may not be able to take my cast iron pans travelling but I can run to a skillet or a wok! xx
Corina
Oh yummy! We all love onions and I'd love this with a big green salad! Thanks so much for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice!
Nico
Definitely - big, green salads are fab with this, Corina! xx
Sus // roughmeasures.com
This looks just delightful. Perfect for a summer soiree. Lovely photos too.
Nico
Thanks Sus - I've been experimenting this past week or so, and I'm really pleased with how these pics came out. xx
jacqui
I love love love both sweet and savoury tarte tatin and they are worth any amount of faffing to make as they taste so good. This look beautiful. Thank you for linking up to #CookBlogShare
Nico
You are a woman after my own heart, Jacqui - I'm happy to faff when it results in amazing food! xx