
Criollo tart with roasted corn, caramelized onions, and blue cheese on polenta crust
An original Argentine-inspired savory tart with a tender polenta crust, filled with roasted corn, slowly caramelized onions, blue cheese, and a touch of thyme. It brings together rustic local flavors in a hearty, savory bake.
Ingredients
- 150 g instant polenta cornmeal (for the base)
- 375 ml water (for cocinar the polenta)
- 250 ml milk (for the base)
- 30 g butter (more extra for engrasar the molde)
- 40 g grated sardo cheese (for the base)
- 2 units eggs (1 for the base and 1 for the relleno)
- 6 g salt (or a taste, divided)
- 2 g black pepper (divided)
- 400 g onions (cut en pluma)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 8 g sugar (for caramelizar the cebollas)
- 15 ml red wine vinegar (for desglasar)
- 300 g corn kernels (fresh or descongelado)
- 4 g fresh thyme (hojitas solamente)
- 120 g blue cheese (desmenuzado)
- 120 ml heavy cream (for the relleno)
- 8 g fresh parsley (chopped for terminar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F / 220°C. Lightly grease a 24 cm / 9.5-inch tart pan with a little butter.
- 2
In a saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Gradually whisk in the polenta and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- 3
Remove the polenta from the heat and mix in the butter, grated sardo cheese, and 1 egg until fully combined. Spread the mixture over the bottom and sides of the greased tart pan. Set aside.
- 4
Spread the corn kernels on a baking tray and toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a little black pepper. Roast for 12 minutes at 425°F / 220°C until lightly golden. Set aside.
- 5
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
- 6
Deglaze the onions with the red wine vinegar, cook 1 minute more, then turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh thyme and let cool slightly.
- 7
In a bowl, combine the caramelized onions, roasted corn, heavy cream, the remaining egg, half of the blue cheese, and a pinch of black pepper.
- 8
Pour the filling into the polenta crust. Scatter the remaining blue cheese on top.
- 9
Bake the tart at 375°F / 190°C for 25 to 28 minutes, until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
- 10
Let rest for 8 minutes before slicing. Finish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Chef tips
For deeper flavor, roast the corn until it develops a few darker golden spots. This tart is best served warm rather than piping hot, since the filling sets and slices more neatly.
Substitutions
You can replace the blue cheese with pategrás or firm mozzarella for a milder flavor. Fresh thyme can be swapped for fresh oregano. If sardo cheese is unavailable, use a similar aged grating cheese.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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