This Lobster and Gruyere Tart is not just a recipe; it's an experience. Imagine the rich, nutty Gruyere cheese melting into the delicate sweetness of perfectly cooked lobster. The flaky pastry crust provides a lovely contrast to the creamy filling, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that is both refined and comforting. It’s the kind of dish you'd serve on a special occasion, perhaps an anniversary dinner, or any time you want to impress your loved ones with your culinary skills. One time I even made this for my dog's birthday. He is a big fan.
The beauty of this tart lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality lobster is essential. Don't be afraid to splurge a little – the difference in flavor is truly remarkable. Similarly, the Gruyere cheese adds a depth and complexity that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary. It is one of my go-to cheese for most fancy dishes, I must admit. But in this tart, it's especially fabulous. You'll want to find a good quality one from your local fromagerie!
This recipe is designed to be straightforward yet elegant. Even if you're not a seasoned baker, you can achieve professional-looking results by following the steps carefully. The key is to pay attention to detail – from properly chilling the dough to ensuring that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Trust me, even the little things make a difference in the end.
Required Equipments
- 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
- Pastry blender or food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pastry wheel
Lobster and Gruyere Tart: Anniversary Elegance: Frequently Asked Questions
Lobster and Gruyere Tart: Anniversary Elegance
This elegant Lobster and Gruyere Tart is a sophisticated dish perfect for a romantic dinner or special celebration. The flaky pastry crust complements a creamy filling of succulent lobster and nutty Gruyere cheese.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for a perfectly baked tart.
- Make the pastry crust: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 1/4 cup ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix! (It should look like coarse crumbs—think breadcrumbs, not smooth dough. If you are unsure of your breadcrumb skillz, do a Google image search. This is key to a flaky crust!)
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. (This step prevents shrinkage and ensures a tender crust.)
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to your 9-inch tart pan. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, trimming any excess dough.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. This prevents air bubbles from forming during baking. (Who doesn't love a good air bubble free tart?)
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. (Don't skimp on the seasoning!)
- Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups cooked lobster meat. (Make sure the lobster meat is chopped into bite-sized pieces, or we are in trouble!)
- Pour the lobster and cheese mixture into the pre-baked tart shell. (Don't rush—it should settle nicely. If it's too full, some will bubble out in the oven. Consider that, when choosing ingredients)
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Let the tart cool slightly before removing it from the pan. (Impatience is the enemy of a beautiful tart. Let's not get this part wrong!)
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. (A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley looks fantastic!)
📝 Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter and freshly grated Gruyere cheese.
- If your lobster meat is precooked, ensure its fully cooked before adding to the filling.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and seasoning to your preference.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 200mg
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