Throughout the winter I have been heading down to the local farmers market every weekend even though the only things that they have had for a long time is apples, pears and a few heartier vegetables that had survived the long cold days and this week I came across something that I have been looking forward to for a while, the wild leeks. Wild leaks , aka ramps, have a garlicky aroma and an onion-y flavour and around here they are one of the first signs spring produce and the promise of things to come. As soon as I had finished picking up a bunch of the wild leeks I was off to the butchers and then on to the cheese monger to pick up the few ingredients to make this wild leek and double smoked bacon tart that I had had on my mind for weeks on end. This tart is a spring inspired version of the ham and leek tart and it is just as easy to make! You simply cook the bacon, saute the whites of the wild leeks in some of the grease, mix the both up with the greens of the wild leeks, along with some eggs, cream and cheese, pour it into an all butter pie crust and bake it until lightly golden brown.
I have been imagining this wild leek and double smoked bacon for the last few weeks but I did not imagine just how good it would be! The aroma of smoky bacon mixed in with the fresh garlic and onion of the wild leeks is simply amazing but even that does not compare to its fantastic flavour! If you are on the fence about wild leeks this is definitely the dish that will turn you onto them forever. If you are already into wild leeks, what are you waiting for? Make this tart!
Wild Leek and Double Smoked Bacon Tart
Double smoked bacon and wild leeks in a light and flaky all butter pastry crust that is perfect for celebrating Springs arrival!
ingredients
- 6 strips double smoked bacon, cut into 1 inch slices
- 1 bunch wild leeks aka ramps, sliced
- 1 pie crust, chilled
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup gruyere, grated
- salt and pepper to taste
directions
- Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat and drain off all but half a tablespoon of the grease.
- Add the whites of the wild leeks, saute for a minute and remove from heat.
- Roll out the pie dough, fit it to a 9 inch tart pan and trim the excess dough.
- Mix the bacon, wild leeks, eggs, cream, cheese, salt and pepper and pour it into the pie crust.
- Bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until it sets and the top is lightly golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
Vicki Bensinger says
May 9, 2012 at 2:18 amYour tart is positively stunning. I can only imagine how incredible it tastes. I'm adding it to my ziplist!
Rosa's Yummy Yums says
May 9, 2012 at 5:46 amA gorgeous tart! That combo is terrific. One of my favorite…
Cheers,
Rosa
MyFudoâ„¢ says
May 9, 2012 at 7:17 amAnother great breakfast option. I love something delicious and filling for breakfast =)
Joanne says
May 9, 2012 at 10:38 amThe ramps have made their appearance here also! They are definitely one of my favorite harbingers of spring! I used my first purchase of them in an eggy dish also! I'm kind of obsessed with tarts lately though…so this is happening!
brandi says
May 9, 2012 at 2:45 pmThis looks beautiful! I love making tarts and quiches for weeknight dinners, too. Ramps + bacon is probably one of my favorite combinations.
It was so great to meet you last week in California – I'm glad we were able to chat.
almostveg says
May 9, 2012 at 9:00 pmThe tart is beautiful. I love ramps – made a risotto with them earlier this week. I wish they had a longer season.
I will make this tart without the bacon for my veg family.
Margherita says
May 10, 2012 at 5:10 amThat tart looks amazing plus it's perfect to bring to a spring pic-nic such as the one I'm planning to have with my friends on Sunday!
Moira says
May 12, 2013 at 10:23 pmMy kitchen's under renovation = no stove. I've been cooking tarts like these in the microwave with great success. Our ramps came up in February, so now I'm using leeks and scallions. Sometimes I use tortilla chips or potato chips for the crust, or neglected breads torn into bits.
Kevin ~ do you have advice for a site on erudite microwave cooking ? If I could make grilled cheese sandwiches in the nuke, I'd have this kitchen reno knocked. 🙂
kevin says
May 13, 2013 at 1:04 pmMoira: You know I never really use my microwave for cooking, just warming up leftovers really. I will definitely have to try using for more things and making a tart in it sounds like it would be fun!
Catia says
April 6, 2017 at 6:27 amI just love your recipes.