Fig and blue cheese tart

This very special cake with crumbly walnut dough makes a fantastic vegetarian dinner. The combination of rich figs and tangy blue cheese creates an irresistible taste that will delight your taste buds. The buttery, nutty crust adds a delicious crunch to every bite. Serve this elegant dish as a main course with a side salad or cut it into smaller portions for a fantastic appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a delicious and filling meal, this Fig and Blue Cheese Pie is sure to impress.

Ingredients

200g flour, plus some flour for rolling out the dough
100g plain wholemeal flour
175g cold butter, 150g cut into pieces
100g walnuts, coarsely chopped in a food processor
3 eggs plus 2 yolks
400g shallots, sliced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus a little more for decoration
200 ml pot of crème fraîche
200 ml cream
140g blue cheese – Danish Blue is a good vegetarian cheese
3-4 figs, halved, cut surfaces brushed with a little oil

Tip

pastries
This crumbly, nutty walnut pastry is absolutely delicious, but a little more difficult to work with than plain shortcrust pastry. If you’re afraid of making your own nuts, simply buy a 500g pre-pack, roll it out into a rough rectangle, top with the chopped walnuts, then fold in half and roll again to line the mold.

Preparation steps

Start by making the pastry. Mix flour, salt and diced butter in a food processor.
Stir the mixture until no lumps are visible.
Put the walnuts in the food processor and chop again.
In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with 3 tablespoons of cold water.
Slowly pour the egg mixture into the food processor, stirring until the dough comes together.
Place the dough on a floured surface and shape it into a ball. Roll it out and cover a 20-23cm deep tart pan so that the dough extends over the edges.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
For the filling, melt the remaining butter in a large pan.
Add the shallots to the pan and cook for 10-15 minutes, until they turn golden brown and softened.
Stir in the thyme for 1 minute and then remove the pan from the heat.
In a jug, whisk the eggs together with the crème fraîche and cream.
Crumble the blue cheese into the egg mixture and season with pepper and a little salt.
Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas. 6. Blind bake the dough for 20 minutes.
Remove the baking beans and paper and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the dough turns golden brown.
Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.
Add the cooled onions to the cream mixture and fill into the dough base.
Place the fig halves, cut side up, on top of the mixture.
Sprinkle some thyme over the figs.
Bake the tart on the middle rack of the oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, until browned and slightly wobbly.
Allow the tart to cool for about 15-20 minutes before removing it from the pan.
Serve the tart with a green salad.

Nutritional Information

kcal	fat	saturates	carbohydrates	Sugar	fiber	protein	Salt
978	81g	41g	46g	8g	5g	20g	1.35g

Equipment and tools

To make this Fig and Blue Cheese Pie you will need the following equipment and tools:

food processor
rolling pin
cake tin
Oven
baking tray

Allergen information

This fig and blue cheese cake contains the following allergens:

butter (milk)
Walnuts (tree nuts)
Eggs
Crème fraîche (milk)
Double cream (milk)
Blue cheese (milk cheese)

Storage and leftovers

Store leftovers of this Fig and Blue Cheese Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the tart in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy!

Health Benefits of Fig and Blue Cheese Tart

The fig and blue cheese tart not only pleases the taste buds but also offers several health benefits. Let’s discover the nutritious ingredients that make this cake a healthy treat.

1. Whole wheat flour

Using whole wheat flour in pastries ensures a higher fiber content compared to refined flour. Not only does this aid digestion, it also helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers.

2. Walnuts

Walnuts, a main ingredient in the cake, are full of essential nutrients. They are an excellent source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and reduce inflammation in the body. Walnuts also contain antioxidants and have been linked to improved heart health.

Something similar you might also like:

3. Shallots

Shallots give this cake a special flavor while providing various health benefits. They belong to the Allium family and contain compounds that have been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers such as stomach and colon cancer. Shallots also contain antioxidants and have antibacterial properties.

4. Thyme

The addition of fresh thyme leaves not only improves the taste of the tart but also adds to its health benefits. Thyme is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and iron. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may support overall immune health.

5. Crème Fraîche and Double Cream

The combination of crème fraîche and double cream gives the tart a creamy and delicious consistency. Although these ingredients should be consumed in moderation, they provide a source of calcium and healthy fats. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and healthy fats are important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

6. Blue cheese

Blue cheese, specifically Danish Blue in this recipe, gives the cake a unique and tangy taste. Blue cheese is typically high in calcium and protein. They also contain beneficial bacteria that promote intestinal health and digestion. In addition, the cheese provides important vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin B12.

7. Fig

Figs, the main ingredient in this cake, not only add a touch of sweetness but also provide numerous health benefits. They are a good source of fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain regular bowel movements. Figs are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, including iron and potassium.

By combining these healthy ingredients, the fig and blue cheese tart not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides your body with a range of nutrients. Enjoy this delicious dish while reaping its health benefits!