Savory Asparagus & Tarragon Goat Cheese Tart

1. Preheat Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. This high temperature is crucial as it ensures the puff pastry becomes delightfully golden and crisply puffed.

2. Prepare Goat Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, lightly beaten egg, finely grated garlic, chopped tarragon, lemon zest, sea salt, a pinch of nutmeg, and crème fraîche. Make sure all these ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth mixture. Use a fork or wooden spoon to mash everything together, then switch to a whisk to ensure everything is evenly combined and smooth.

3. Roll Out Puff Pastry

Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour and roll out the puff pastry into a 13-by-11-inch rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick. Transfer the rolled-out pastry onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a 1/2-inch border around the edges of the pastry.

4. Spread Cheese Mixture and Arrange Asparagus

Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly within the scored border of the pastry. Now, arrange the asparagus spears in a neat line on top of the cheese mixture.

5. Brush with Olive Oil and Sprinkle Parmesan

Brush the asparagus with a little extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of sea salt and the grated Parmesan.

6. Bake the Tart

Place the tart in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

7. Cool the Tart

Once baked, let the tart cool on the cookie sheet for at least 15 minutes, though you can leave it to cool for up to 4 hours if needed.

8. Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, a few red-pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, and scatter the shaved Parmesan and some extra tarragon leaves over the top. Finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.