RecipesPies & Baked Goods

Sweet Caramelized Onion & Hummus Tarte Tatin

by Micaela Harrasser

Looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both elegant and surprisingly simple to make? This savory twist on the classic French tarte tatin combines sweet caramelized onions with creamy hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. While traditional tarte tatin features caramelized apples, this vegetarian version brings together the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of slow-cooked onions with the rich, nutty flavors of hummus and hazelnuts, all wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people say ‘wow!’ while being surprisingly achievable in your own kitchen. 🧅✨

As someone who believes in making cooking both accessible and exciting, I love creating recipes that look fancy but don’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen. This tarte tatin is exactly that – a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The magic happens when the onions slowly caramelize and develop their natural sweetness. The hummus adds a creamy, protein-rich layer that makes this dish substantial enough to serve as a light main course.

Perfect for these chilly February evenings, this warm, comforting dish brings together the best of French technique and Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a cozy date night in, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe delivers amazing results right from your home kitchen.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Serve it as an elegant starter for your next dinner party, pack it for a fancy lunch at work, or pair it with a crisp green salad for a light but satisfying dinner. The leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as amazing the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Here’s the best part: this recipe is incredibly adaptable to different dietary needs! Simply swap regular butter for vegan butter, and you’ve got yourself a completely plant-based version that’s just as delicious as the original. For those avoiding gluten, while I haven’t personally tested it, you could experiment with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the pastry. As always with gluten-free baking, results may vary, so if you try it, I’d love to hear about your experience!

Ready to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to something special? Let’s dive into this recipe…

Sweet Caramelized Onion & Hummus Tarte Tatin

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time: Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 120g flour 
  • 60g cold butter cubed
  • 30g hazelnuts plus more, crumbs to sprinkle on top
  • salt a pinch

For the filling:

  • 1 medium sweet onion
  • 30g butter
  • fresh thyme a few leaves
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • balsamic glaze a few drops
  • 3-4 tbsp hummus
  • salt a pinch

Instructions

  1. First, let's start by making the pie dough by adding to a stand mixer with blades the dough ingredients apart from the butter.
  2. Mix everything, then add the butter and mix it in with pulses.
  3. If it feels too dry, add one (or more) tbsp of cold water. 
  4. Place the mix onto your worktop and mix it quickly with your hands then make a flat disk (3-4mm) with a rolling pin, roughly 18-20cm wide.
  5. Cover with cling film and store in the fridge while preparing the onions.
  6.  Cut the onions into 1/2 cm rings.
  7. Heat up the butter in a non-stick pan, then add the onions making sure they keep the disk shape and cover the surface evenly (so eventually cook in multiple batches).
  8. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on the onions and cook, covered, until the bottoms become of a dark gold shade.
  9. At this stage, add the sugar and balsamic glaze and a few drops of water and cook for an extra 2-3 minutes, without touching the onions further.
  10. Turn the oven on to 180C. Grab your cake tin and butter the surfaces, or layer it with parchment paper.
  11. Take out the dough from the fridge.
  12. Carefully transfer your onions from the pan onto the bottom of the cake tin, making an even layer.
  13. Cover the onions with hummus.
  14. Cover the hummus with your dough and try to fold the dough towards the onions.
  15. With a fork, make some holes in the dough.
  16. Place in the center of the oven and cook until the dough is dark andcrunchy, about 40-50 min.
  17. Take out of the oven and wait about 10 min before turning your cake tin upside down, uncovering the beautiful caramelized onions.
  18. Cover with some fresh thyme and chopped hazelnuts, and serve!

Notes

Storage: you can store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.

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