SMOKED BACON, CARAMELISED ONION & RED LEICESTER TART

Serves 4 – 6

150g smoked bacon lardons

150g red onions

150g Red Leicester cheese

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp caster sugar

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt & pepper

180ml whole milk

180ml double cream

3 large eggs

1 pack shortcrust pastry l Heat an oven to 180°C fan. Line a loose bottom tart tin with shortcrust pastry. Top with baking paper and baking beads and blind bake for 15 minutes or so. Remove the paper and beans and cook for a further 15 minutes until light golden brown. l In a frying pan over a medium heat, cook the bacon lardons until cooked through but not crispy. l Finely slice the red onions. In a saucepan over a medium heat, gently sweat the red onions in olive oil, with a pinch of salt, for 15 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar and sugar, and simmer on low for a further 10 minutes until sweet and sticky. l Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and double cream. Season with a pinch of salt. Scatter the cheese, bacon, and onions over the tart base, and then cover with the egg mixture. Bake at 180°C fan for 20 to 25 minutes, or until set.

THOMAS

FRAKE was the Champion of MasterChef 2020. See Thomas in the Chefs Theatre on Friday 12 May at 12pm.