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Asparagus and ricotta tarts

Published: 30 Apr 06
Updated: 18 Mar 24

These asparagus and ricotta tarts definitely look at the top end of picnic fare so you’ll be shocked how easy they are to prepare – especially if you buy the pastry. The perfect vegetarian recipe for a day out.

Easy
May 2006

Test kitchen approved

Serves 4
Takes 25 minutes to make and 35 minutes to bake

Vegetarian recipes

Nutrition: per serving

Calories: 547kcals
Fat: 37.8g (18.1g saturated)
Protein: 17.4g
Carbohydrates: 37.3g (3.7g sugars)
Salt: 1.1g

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Ingredients

375g pack ready-rolled puff pastry, at room temperature
250g vegetarian ricotta, well drained
50g freshly grated vegetarian Parmesan
Juice of 1 small lemon
4 sun-blush or sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped
About 20 asparagus spears, trimmed to fit the pastry ‘window’
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Chopped fresh mint leaves and chives, to serve

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Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan180°C/gas 6. Unroll the pastry and cut into 4 rectangles, each about 16 x 12cm. Use a knife to mark out a smaller rectangle on each piece, big enough to hold 4-6 asparagus spears – don’t cut through the pastry. Mark the borders in a neat lattice pattern, then transfer to a large baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, until just puffy and slightly coloured. Set aside to cool slightly, then depress the risen window gently with the back of a fork.
Meanwhile, lightly mix the ricotta, Parmesan and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir in the tomatoes but not too vigorously or you’ll end up with a pink mess. Season with a little salt and plenty of black pepper. Divide the ricotta mix between the pastry cases, putting it in the middle of each and spreading it out just a little. Cover with the asparagus spears and press just slightly into the ricotta. Drizzle with the oil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the asparagus looks wrinkly and soft.
Serve the tarts, garnished with the mint and chives.