Description
Indulge in the delicate and sophisticated flavors of Crab and Tarragon Tart, featuring sweet, tender crab meat combined with aromatic fresh tarragon in a buttery, flaky puff pastry crust. This elegant yet simple appetizer is perfect for entertaining, offering a balanced blend of rich and bright flavors that is both special and accessible.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lump or claw crab meat
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry Base: Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions. Roll it out lightly on a floured surface, then fit it into a tart pan, trimming the edges neatly. Chill the crust to help it hold its shape during baking.
- Sauté Shallots and Infuse Butter: In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced shallots and cook gently until soft and translucent, releasing subtle sweetness that complements the crab.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed shallots, fresh crab meat, chopped tarragon leaves, crème fraîche, eggs, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper. Fold gently to keep the crab lumps intact without overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling evenly into the chilled puff pastry shell, spreading carefully. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Let It Rest: Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing. Resting firms up the filling and makes serving neat and enjoyable.
Notes
- Use fresh crab meat for optimal flavor and texture.
- Gently fold the filling to preserve crab lumps.
- Keep the pastry chilled to prevent shrinkage and ensure flakiness.
- Adjust seasoning after mixing the filling, before baking.
- Serve the tart slightly warm for best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: crab tart, tarragon tart, seafood appetizer, puff pastry tart, elegant appetizers, party appetizers