Beetroot tarte tatin makes an easy, tasty lunch or light meal. With a little goats cheese, the flavors are delicate & delicious, all wrapped in crisp pastry.

Beetroot tarte tatin viewed from side — beetroot tarte tatin

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A love of beets

I know they might not be the most popular vegetables for many people, but I do really like beets/beetroot these days. I admit, before I got it in my vegetable box I would rarely choose to buy it. But these days I have a whole host of ways I like to use it.

I've used them in everything from winter beet salad and beet and avocado toast to pumpkin beetroot muffins and chocolate beetroot brownies. I also like them as part of a range of mixed vegetables alongside roast chicken or other meats.

beetroot tarte tatin showing slices of beet fanned out on top of each other

Another delicious way to enjoy it is as a beetroot tarte tatin, a delicious savory version of the French classic upside-down tart (typically made with apples). It makes a great lunch, either alone or with a salad, for example. You could even serve it as a side eg to roast beef or duck.

How to make beetroot tarte tatin

I know saying a name like 'tarte tatin' probably immediately makes you think this is tricky to make, but it really isn't. You don't need many ingredients, and this tart cheats a little and uses ready-made puff pastry.

All you do is make a very simple caramel then layer in the cooked beetroot. Take care as you do this as if not careful, you can burn yourself on the caramel. Next, dot on some goats cheese - this part isn't typical but I think it adds a great flavor that permeates the dish. Finally, lay on the pastry and bake. Then you leave it a couple minutes and tip it on to a plate and that's it.

The result is so delicious and looks great, everyone will think there was more to it.

Beetroot already has a great natural sweetness so the little bit caramel helps bring this out, without being too sweet so that it feels more like dessert.

The goats cheese melts as the tart bakes so you can no longer see it is there, but the taste certainly is. It's not too strong but it's delicious and a perfect pairing to the beetroot. In fact it's so good, you would be forgiven for enjoying some more goats cheese with this as you eat it.

whole beetroot tarte tatin from overhead

Tips for making beetroot tarte tatin

Measure your pastry circle before you start using your skillet. This makes it a lot easier when you come to use it.
Since the beetroot is already cooked and warms fairly quickly in the caramel, you only need to bake the tart long enough to cook the pastry. So once the pastry is brown, the tart is done.
Don't be tempted to tip it out immediately - it's worth letting it settle a minute. It will both more likely come out cleaner plus the caramel will solidify a little more and stick to the beetroot rather than running all over and potentially being lost and burning you as you tip it out. At the same time, though, don't leave it to cool completely - you should turn it out while still warm.
To take it out, it's best to do as you would a tortilla/frittata. Loosen around the edge to check it's no longer stuck, put a plate over the top then tip it right over fairly quickly and lift the skillet/frying pan off carefully.

As I said this tart is really easy, but looks impressive and tastes great. This smaller size is nice and manageable to work with and great for a smaller number. However you can easily make a larger version by using a bigger skillet and more beetroot if making for a group.

While you can have it warm or cold, it is definitely best enjoyed the day it is made or the pastry will soften. Personally I prefer it warm, but the flavors are great either way.

This beetroot tarte tatin is delicate but incredibly tasty. I'd definitely suggest giving it a try even if you are not that in to beets as they take on a whole different character. I for one will be making it again, and I hope you do too.

Try these other savory tarts:

Mushroom galette
Empanada gallega (a Spanish savory pie filled with onion, pepper, tuna and egg)
Caramelized onion and goat cheese tart (tartlets)
Savory cranberry and cheese tart
Plus get more lunch recipes in the archives.

Beetroot tarte tatin makes an easy, tasty lunch or light meal. With a little goats cheese, the flavors are delicate & delicious, all wrapped in crisp pastry.

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5 from 5 votes