Flamiche (Belgian Leek, Goat Cheese and Bacon Tart)

The first spring weekend of farmers market season is exciting.  I am ready for all that fresh produce with a new treat arriving each week and little surprises on every visit.  I know that I am closer to juicy strawberries, my first tomato in months, bright, sweet corn and so many things.  I know it is all about to start.  But in reality, that first Saturday is a little sparse.  The greens lingering from winter, a few spring flowers, but not the spectacular array soon to come.  S on the first market day this year, I came away mostly with baked goods and a restock on pastured meat.  Not a huge haul, but still a fun trip.

As I unpacked my oilcloth market bag at home, I took stock of my purchases and realized I had leeks, bacon, eggs and goat cheese.  Flamiche!  In the fridge I had some local milk and cream, and with a quickly made piecrust, I was ready for a very elegant, locally sourced spring lunch.

This quiche-like tart is a traditional Belgian dish, with the old-world flavors of smoky bacon, salty goat cheese and jammy leeks.  When I buy leeks fresh from the farmer, there are sometimes a few very thin pencil leeks in the bunch.  I like to press them into the top of the filling before baking, because it is such a lovely presentation.  You can slice right through them or pull them off before serving.  I like the look of my square tart pan, but round is beautiful too.

Flamiche

Belgian Leek, Goat Cheese and Bacon Tart

If you buy your leeks from a farmers market and they are thinner than grocery store varieties, you will need more.

1 pie crust for a 9-inch pie

2 large leeks or 3 medium (4 cups sliced), white and pale green parts only

¼ cup butter

½ cup water

8 strips of bacon

5 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled

½ cup whole milk

½ cup heavy cream

1 large egg

1 egg yolk

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Fit the prepared crust into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.

Slice the white and pale green part of the leeks in half lengthwise, then slice each half into thin half circles.  Place the leeks in a large bowl of cold water and swirl around with your hands, shuffling to separate the layers of leek. Leave for a few minutes to let any dirt settle to the bottom of a bowl.  In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium low heat.  Scoop the leeks out of the water and shake to drain somewhat (do not pour the leeks and water into a strainer, the dirt will just fall back on the leeks) then add to the melted butter.  Stir to coat and then stir in the ½ cup water.  Cook for a few minutes, until the leeks begin to reduce in bulk, then cover, lower the heat to low and cook for 20- 25 minutes until the leeks are soft and semi-translucent. Stir occasionally during cooking and add a drop or two more water as needed.  Do not let the leeks brown. When the leeks are soft and pale, uncover and cook a few minutes more until any liquid has evaporated. Set aside to cool. (The leeks can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated, tightly covered, until ready to use).

While the leeks are cooling, cook the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels. Preheat the oven to 400°. Spread the cooled leeks evenly over the bottom of the prepared tart crust, smoothing the top.  Crumble the goat cheese and sprinkle over the top of the leeks.  Chop the bacon into small pieces and sprinkle in the tart.  In a small bowl or 4 cup measuring jug, whisk together the milk, cream, whole egg, yolk and pepper.  Pour this custard over the filling in the tart.  Carefully transfer to the oven and bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 6