Vibrant Beet Hummus Asparagus Tart with Almond Crust: A Gluten-Free Spring Brunch Delight

Brighten up your spring gatherings with this show-stopping Beet Hummus Asparagus Tart with Almond Crust. This recipe is a celebration of fresh seasonal produce, combining the earthy sweetness of beets, the fresh snap of asparagus, and a deliciously nutty, gluten-free almond flour crust. It’s not just visually stunning with its vibrant colors, but also incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect choice for a spring brunch, a light lunch, or an elegant appetizer that will truly impress your guests.

Embracing Spring Flavors, No Matter the Weather!

Even if spring hasn’t quite arrived with warm breezes and blooming flowers where you are, it doesn’t mean you can’t bring the season’s freshest flavors to your kitchen! Here in Newfoundland, our springs often feel more like an extension of winter, with chilly winds and rainy days lingering well into June. Despite the unpredictable weather, my passion for crafting seasonal recipes remains unwavering. And with asparagus gracing our markets, I’m diving headfirst into all things asparagus!

Asparagus season is a brief but glorious time, offering tender, flavorful spears perfect for a myriad of dishes. If you’re a fan, you might remember my recent obsession, the Spring Salad with Asparagus and Peas, which has been on constant rotation. But if a light salad isn’t quite hitting the spot, or if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial yet equally fresh, then this Beet Hummus Asparagus Tart is absolutely for you. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, and its vibrant presentation makes it an instant mood booster, bringing a burst of spring to any table.

Essential Ingredients for Your Asparagus Tart

Crafting this delicious and healthy tart requires just a few key components, each playing a vital role in its flavor and texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece.

Fresh Asparagus: The Star of the Show

As the name suggests, fresh asparagus is an absolute must. When selecting asparagus, look for firm, straight stalks with tightly closed, vibrant green or purplish tips. Avoid any that appear limp or have opened tips, as these indicate older produce. While it’s always best to use fresh asparagus within a few days of purchase, a clever trick to extend its life is to trim the ends and stand the spears upright in a glass with about an inch of water, then store it in the refrigerator. This method can keep your asparagus fresh and crisp for up to a week.

Vibrant Beet Hummus: Color and Flavor in Every Bite

The beautiful pink hue and earthy, slightly sweet flavor of beet hummus elevate this tart to another level. You have a couple of options here: you can prepare my favorite roasted beet and white bean hummus from scratch, or use the slight variation provided in the recipe card below. Making your own allows for customization of flavor and spice. If you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to pick up a store-bought beet hummus; there’s absolutely no judgment here!

If you’re making your own hummus, gather some fresh beets (roasting them truly enhances their sweetness), white beans for creaminess and protein, tahini for that essential nutty depth, fresh lemon juice for brightness, and for those who enjoy a kick, a tiny Thai pepper. If spicy isn’t your preference, simply leave out the pepper for a milder, equally delicious hummus. Homemade hummus not only tastes incredible but also lets you control the ingredients, ensuring a wholesome and flavorful spread.

Gluten-Free Almond Crust: The Perfect Foundation

Finally, the delicious hummus and beautifully sautéed asparagus rest on a simple yet satisfying almond flour crust. This crust is wonderfully easy to prepare and forms a robust, nutty base for our tart. It requires just a few pantry staples: almond flour, an egg to bind it, nutritional yeast for a hint of cheesy umami flavor, a touch of oil, and seasonings like salt and garlic powder. This recipe uses a crust similar to the one found in my Mediterranean Quiche, known for its fantastic texture and flavor, offering a wonderful gluten-free and grain-free alternative to traditional pastry.

Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling Your Tart

Creating this stunning Beet Hummus Asparagus Tart is a straightforward process when broken down into its three main components: the hummus, the crust, and the asparagus. Here’s a detailed walkthrough to ensure your tart turns out perfectly every time.

Preparing Your Homemade Beet Hummus

1. Roast the Beets: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and chop your beets, then toss them with a little olive oil. Spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and makes them incredibly flavorful.
2. Cool and Blend: Once roasted, allow the beets to cool completely. This step is important for achieving the best hummus texture and flavor. Transfer the cooled beets to a food processor along with the white beans, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and the optional Thai pepper. Process on high until the mixture is incredibly smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Chill for Flavor: Store your vibrant beet hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the tart. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Baking the Perfect Almond Flour Crust

1. Prepare the Pan: While the beets are cooling, you can start on the crust. Preheat your oven back to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch tart pan.
2. Mix the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, nutritional yeast, salt, and garlic powder. Add the egg and a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Use a fork to mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press and Bake: Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared tart pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to over-bake, as almond flour crusts can dry out and become brittle.
4. Cool Completely: Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before proceeding. A properly cooled crust will be crisp and less likely to crack when spread with hummus.

Sautéing the Asparagus to Perfection

As your crust cools, you can prepare the asparagus. Heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Trim the woody ends off your asparagus spears. Add them to the skillet and season simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté for just 5-7 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp – you want it to retain a slight bite, not become overly soft. This quick sauté preserves their vibrant color and fresh texture.

Assembling Your Vibrant Tart

Once all your components are ready and cooled, it’s time for the exciting part – assembly!

1. Spread the Hummus: Take your cooled almond crust and spread about half of the prepared beet hummus evenly over the base. You’ll likely have leftover hummus, which is a fantastic bonus! Store the remainder in the fridge for healthy snacking with carrot sticks or crackers, or use it as a spread in wraps and sandwiches.
2. Layer the Asparagus: Artfully arrange the sautéed asparagus spears in a single layer over the hummus. You may need to trim the ends of some spears to ensure they fit neatly within the tart pan.
3. Serve Immediately: Slice the tart into 12 elegant pieces and serve right away. The combination of crispy crust, creamy hummus, and tender asparagus is best enjoyed fresh!

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

One of the best features of this Beet Hummus Asparagus Tart is its flexibility. You can certainly prepare components ahead of time, which makes entertaining a breeze! The hummus, almond crust, and sautéed asparagus can all be made in advance. Simply store the beet hummus and cooked asparagus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The baked almond crust should be covered and stored at room temperature to maintain its crispness.

For the best results and to preserve that delightful crispy crust, it’s highly recommended to assemble the tart just before serving. If you assemble it too far in advance, the moisture from the hummus can cause the crust to soften, diminishing one of the tart’s most appealing textures. All components will last, stored separately, for up to two days. If you happen to have any leftover assembled tart, store it in the refrigerator and consume it within a day or two. While the crust might lose a bit of its initial crispness, the flavors will still be absolutely delicious!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Asparagus Tart

This versatile Beet Hummus Asparagus Tart with Almond Crust can fit seamlessly into various meal settings, offering both beauty and delectable flavor. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:

• Elegant Appetizer: Serve slices of the tart on their own as a sophisticated appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a refreshing cocktail – how about some Ginger Beer Mimosas for a sparkling touch?
• Spring Brunch Centerpiece: The striking colors of this tart make it an ideal centerpiece for any spring brunch spread. It’s light yet satisfying and looks absolutely stunning surrounded by other brunch favorites like fresh fruit platters or a yogurt parfait bar.
• Light Lunch or Dinner: Turn this tart into a complete meal by serving it with a crisp side salad. A light and tangy option like this grapefruit salad or a hearty blueberry peach quinoa salad would beautifully complement the flavors of the asparagus and spicy hummus.
• Healthy Snack: Don’t underestimate its appeal as a healthy, satisfying snack. Sometimes, a slice (or two!) of this tart is just what you need to tide you over between meals – and yes, it makes for a surprisingly delightful bedtime snack!

With its vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and fresh flavors, this Beet Hummus Asparagus Tart with Almond Crust is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to celebrate the season. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious and wholesome meal, this gluten-free, plant-forward tart is sure to become a new spring favorite.

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