Caramelized Onion and Polenta Tart

By MooK

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound thawed puff pastry
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup instant polenta
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 ounces Fontina cheese, coarsely shredded (1/2 cup)
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped thyme, plus more for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 475° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a 12-inch square about 1/8 inch thick. Trim the edges to form a neat square. Cut a 1/2-inch-wide strip from each of the 4 sides of the pastry. Brush the pastry square lightly with the beaten egg, then arrange the strips along the edges to form a raised rim. Using a fork, prick the bottom of the crust all over. Bake the tart shell for 15 minutes, or until it is golden and the rim has risen; use a fork to flatten any bubbles.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large, deep skillet. Add the onions, cover and cook over high heat, stirring frequently, until softened and browned, about 10 minutes; add a few tablespoons of water as needed. Remove from the heat.

In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Add the polenta and whisk until smooth. Cook over moderate heat, stirring, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the onions, Fontina and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Spread the polenta in the crust and bake for 5 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. Sprinkle with thyme and serve.

SERVE WITH A crisp green salad.