Leek, Goat’s Cheese, Walnut & Lemon Tart Recipe

Introduction

This leek, goat’s cheese, walnut, and lemon tart is a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and crunchy flavors. It makes a perfect light lunch or an elegant starter with a fresh, zesty twist from the lemon. Simple to prepare, it’s sure to impress both family and guests.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 25g butter
• 2 medium leeks, sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped thyme leaves
• Zest of 2 lemons and juice of 1 lemon
• 375g pack ready-rolled puff pastry
• 200g soft spreadable goat’s cheese
• 50g walnut pieces
• Little chopped parsley, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/gas mark 7. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and add the butter. When sizzling, add the sliced leeks and cook over medium heat until softened but not browned.
2. Step 2: Stir in the thyme leaves and half of the lemon zest. Increase the heat, add the lemon juice, and cook for about 30 seconds until the juice reduces. Season well with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Unroll the puff pastry onto a baking sheet lined with baking parchment. Lightly score a 1cm border around the edges with a sharp knife, then prick the base all over with a fork to prevent bubbling.
4. Step 4: Spread the lemony leeks evenly within the border on the pastry. Crumble the goat’s cheese over the top, scatter with walnut pieces, and season with freshly ground black pepper.
5. Step 5: Drizzle some olive oil over the filling and brush the edges of the pastry with a little oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley and the remaining lemon zest. Serve the tart hot, warm, or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a handful of grated parmesan cheese on top before baking.
• Replace walnuts with toasted pine nuts or pecans for a different crunch.
• If you prefer a milder lemon taste, reduce the amount of zest and juice used.
• Serve with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or enjoy cold. The tart is best eaten on the day of baking for optimal crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pastry instead of ready-rolled puff pastry?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works well if you have the time, but ready-rolled pastry saves time and is convenient without compromising flavor or texture.

Is this tart suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this tart is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or fish. Just ensure your puff pastry is free from animal fats if you follow a strict vegetarian diet.

Leek, Goat’s Cheese, Walnut & Lemon Tart Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 70 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This vibrant Leek, Goat’s Cheese, Walnut & Lemon Tart combines the earthy sweetness of leeks with tangy goat’s cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a refreshing hint of lemon zest and juice. Baked on a golden puff pastry base, this tart is perfect as a light lunch or an elegant starter, balancing creamy, nutty, and citrus flavors in every bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Filling

• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 25g butter
• 2 medium leeks, sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped thyme leaves
• Zest of 2 lemons and juice of 1 lemon

For the Tart Base and Topping

• 375g pack ready-rolled puff pastry
• 200g soft spreadable goat’s cheese
• 50g walnut pieces
• Little chopped parsley, to serve

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the leeks: Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas mark 7. Place a large frying pan on medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil and 25g butter. Once the butter is sizzling, add the sliced leeks. Cook gently until the leeks become soft but do not brown.
2. Add flavorings: Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped thyme leaves and half of the lemon zest. Increase the heat slightly and add the juice of one lemon. Cook this mixture for about 30 seconds, allowing the lemon juice to reduce and intensify the flavors. Season well with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the pastry base: Unroll the 375g of ready-rolled puff pastry and place it on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1cm border around the edges, being careful not to cut all the way through. Prick the base inside the border thoroughly with a fork to prevent it from puffing up unevenly.
4. Assemble the tart: Spread the lemony leek mixture evenly on the pastry, staying within the scored border. Crumble the 200g of soft goat’s cheese over the leeks, then scatter 50g walnut pieces on top. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the filling and brush the exposed pastry edges lightly with olive oil.
5. Bake the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the puff pastry has puffed up around the edges and turned a golden brown color.
6. Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley and the remaining lemon zest for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature as desired.

Notes

• The tart can be served hot, warm, or cooled, making it versatile for different occasions.
• For extra crunch, you can toast the walnuts lightly before scattering them on the tart.
• Ready-rolled puff pastry saves time, but homemade pastry can be used for a more decadent result.
• Adjust seasoning after cooking since lemon juice adds tanginess.
• This tart pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a light white wine.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Tart
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European

Keywords: Leek tart, goat cheese tart, walnut tart, lemon tart, puff pastry tart, vegetarian tart, savory tart, easy tart recipe