Irresistible Grilled Asparagus and Goat Cheese Tart: A Summery Delight Bursting with Flavor and Elegance

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Picture a sunlit brunch gathering, the air filled with laughter and clinking glasses. At the center of the table sits a radiant Grilled Asparagus and Goat Cheese Tart, its golden crust and verdant spears inviting admiration and appetite alike. Originating from the French countryside, this tart effortlessly marries the creamy tang of goat cheese with the subtle smokiness of grilled asparagus. A perfect balance of crispness and creaminess, it's an ode to the bounty of springtime. Whether you're planning a casual get-together, an elegant dinner party, or a quiet meal for two, this dish offers elegance, flavor, and a touch of mouthwatering decadence.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of ready-made puff pastry, thawed
• 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cleaned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
• 8 oz (225g) goat cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream or crème fraîche
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to remove any creases. Place it on the prepared baking sheet and use a knife to lightly score a 1-inch border around the edges, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Using a fork, prick holes all over the center of the pastry to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Brush the border with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
4. Bake the pastry for 12-15 minutes or until it’s light golden brown. Remove from oven and gently press down the center if it has puffed up.
5. While the pastry is baking, prepare the asparagus. Heat a grill pan over medium heat and brush the asparagus spears with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then grill until tender and lightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
6. In a medium bowl, mix together the goat cheese, heavy cream, garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly over the baked pastry, keeping within the border.
8. Arrange the grilled asparagus spears on top of the goat cheese. You can go for a neat parallel arrangement or crisscross them for a more rustic look.
9. Return the tart to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and flavors to meld together.
10. Once baked, remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese, if using.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature, slicing into generous squares. Enjoy the tart alongside a crisp white wine or a refreshing glass of sparkling lemonade.

Tips and Pairings

• For an extra creamy texture, replace half of the goat cheese with ricotta.
• Add a sprinkle of chili flakes over the tart for a subtle kick of heat.
• This tart pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.
• Try swapping asparagus for seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers when they're at their peak freshness.

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