Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Leek & Almond Tart Recipe

Introduction

This vibrant purple sprouting broccoli, leek, and almond tart is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables and creamy cheese filling nestled in crisp puff pastry. Perfect for a light lunch or an elegant snack, it’s both easy to make and full of flavor.

A golden puff pastry tart with a thick, flaky crust sits on a white plate, displayed on a white marbled surface. The tart is topped with a creamy, pale yellow filling that is dotted with green broccolini and scattered almond slices, adding texture and color contrast. One slice is cut out, revealing the layers of crisp pastry and soft, smooth filling inside. A knife rests beside the plate, ready to serve. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin rapeseed oil or olive oil
  • 2 leeks, finely sliced
  • Flour, for dusting
  • 500g pack puff pastry
  • 1 tbsp polenta or semolina
  • 6 spears purple sprouting broccoli, trimmed
  • 150ml crème fraîche (you can use half-fat)
  • 50g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), finely grated
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 25g flaked almonds

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7. Heat a frying pan with a lid over medium heat and add the oil. Cook the leeks with the lid on, stirring occasionally until just tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry and cut out a rough 26cm circle using a large dinner plate as a template. Cover a baking tray with baking parchment, sprinkle the polenta or semolina over it, and place the pastry circle on top.
  3. Step 3: Score a circle about 2cm from the edge of the pastry. Spread the cooked leeks evenly inside the scored circle and bake for 10 minutes until the edges have puffed up. Remove from the oven and reduce heat to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.
  4. Step 4: Bring a medium pan of water to the boil. Blanch the broccoli in the boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and cool under running water. Drain again and arrange the broccoli on top of the leeks in the tart.
  5. Step 5: In a bowl, mix the crème fraîche, parmesan, egg yolks, and seasoning. Pour the mixture evenly over the vegetables on the tart.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle the flaked almonds over the top and bake the tart for 15–20 minutes until golden. Serve warm or cold.

Tips & Variations

  • Use vegetarian Parmesan substitutes if you prefer a meat-free option.
  • Swap purple sprouting broccoli for tender asparagus or green broccoli if unavailable.
  • For extra crunch, toast the almonds lightly before sprinkling.
  • Serve with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C until warmed through to keep the pastry crisp. This tart can also be served cold and makes a great picnic option.

How to Serve

A golden brown round tart with a thick, flaky crust on a white plate. The tart has a creamy pale yellow filling topped with green broccoli or broccolini pieces and scattered almond slices that add texture. A slice is cut out, revealing the smooth filling beneath the vegetables. A silver knife lies beside the plate on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this tart in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble just before baking. The baked tart also keeps well refrigerated for a day or two.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh purple sprouting broccoli works best for texture and flavor, but you can use frozen broccoli—just thaw and drain well before blanching to avoid excess moisture.

Print
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Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Leek & Almond Tart Recipe


  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This vibrant Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Leek & Almond Tart combines tender leeks and crunchy purple sprouting broccoli with a creamy, cheesy filling and a flaky puff pastry base. Finished with toasted flaked almonds, this savory tart is perfect served warm or cold as a light lunch, brunch, or elegant appetizer.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 leeks, finely sliced
  • 6 spears purple sprouting broccoli, trimmed

Pastry & Base

  • 500g pack puff pastry
  • flour, for dusting
  • 1 tbsp polenta or semolina

Dairy & Eggs

  • 150ml crème fraîche (can use half-fat)
  • 50g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), finely grated
  • 2 egg yolks

Oils, Nuts & Seasoning

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin rapeseed oil or olive oil
  • 25g flaked almonds
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Leeks: Heat a frying pan with a lid over medium heat and add the rapeseed or olive oil. Cook the finely sliced leeks with the lid on, stirring occasionally until just tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Roll and Prebake the Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry into a rough 26cm circle, using a large dinner plate as a template. Cover a baking tray with baking parchment and sprinkle the polenta or semolina evenly over it to prevent sogginess. Place the pastry circle onto the tray and score a circle about 2cm from the edge, being careful not to cut all the way through. Spread the cooked leeks evenly inside the scored circle. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (200°C fan) or Gas Mark 7 for 10 minutes, until the edges have puffed up nicely. Remove the tart from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas Mark 6.
  3. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a medium pan of water to the boil. Blanch the purple sprouting broccoli spears for 1 minute to slightly soften and brighten them. Drain immediately and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain again thoroughly.
  4. Assemble the Tart: Arrange the blanched broccoli over the cooked leeks within the pastry circle. In a bowl, mix together the crème fraîche, grated parmesan, egg yolks, and season with salt and black pepper. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the vegetables. Sprinkle flaked almonds on top to add a delightful crunch once baked.
  5. Bake the Tart: Bake the assembled tart in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas Mark 6 for 15 to 20 minutes, until the filling is golden and set, and the almonds are toasted. Once baked, serve warm or allow to cool and serve cold as desired.

Notes

  • You can use half-fat crème fraîche to reduce the fat content without compromising much on creaminess.
  • Instead of parmesan, vegetarian hard cheese alternatives work well for those avoiding animal rennet.
  • Polenta or semolina sprinkled on the baking tray helps keep the pastry base crisp by absorbing moisture.
  • Make sure to score the pastry without cutting through completely to help create a raised border.
  • Serve the tart with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Tart
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Keywords: purple sprouting broccoli tart, leek tart, almond tart, vegetarian tart, puff pastry tart, seasonal vegetable tart

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