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Spring Onion and Asparagus Tarts with Black Bean Crust

  • Prep-time: / Ready In:
  • Makes 2 tarts
  • Serving size: ½ a tart
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With twice the protein of a standard hamburger and no cholesterol, these hunger-busting asparagus tarts are a healthy option for the whole family. Pureed black beans create a hearty, fiber-packed crust, while fresh thyme adds subtle floral notes. Par-bake the crusts, then slather with a lemon-infused tofu cream. After a brief spell in the oven, top with steamed asparagus, spring onions, and a zesty homemade gremolata. It’s that simple! These scrumptious savory tarts would work well for dinner for two or as an appetizer for a bigger group.

For more inspiration, check out these tasty ideas:

By Caitlyn Diimig, RD,

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Ingredients

  • 2 15-oz. cans no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained (3 cups)
  • 1 cup brown rice flour
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 lemon (plus extra wedges for serving, if desired)
  • 1 14- to 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained
  • ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 2 bunches spring onions, trimmed to 7 inches with bulbs attached, halved lengthwise
  • 16 oz. asparagus, trimmed, halved lengthwise if large

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a food processor process black beans until a paste forms, adding up to 1 tablespoon water to help beans blend, if needed. Transfer bean paste to a medium bowl.
  • Stir rice flour and 4 teaspoons of the thyme into bean paste. Drizzle with tahini. Toss with a fork until mixture resembles coarse sand. Stir in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough forms (about 3 tablespoons total). Divide dough in half. On one prepared baking sheet, press one dough portion into a 10-inch circle about ¼ inch thick. (If necessary, cover dough with a sheet of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to shape dough.) Repeat with remaining dough portion on a second baking sheet.
  • Bake crusts on separate oven racks 20 minutes or until starting to brown.
  • For filling, remove 6 teaspoons zest and squeeze 1 tablespoon juice from lemon. In a blender or food processor combine 4 teaspoons lemon zest and juice, tofu, broth, the remaining 2 teaspoons thyme, the pepper, and garlic powder. Cover and blend until smooth and spreadable.
  • Spread filling evenly over parbaked crusts. Bake 10 minutes or until crusts are crisp and filling is hot.
  • For gremolata, in a small bowl stir together parsley, garlic, and the remaining 2 teaspoons lemon zest.
  • Place a steamer basket in a large saucepan. Add water to just below basket. Bring to boiling. Steam spring onions and asparagus, covered, 5 minutes or until tender. Arrange spring onions and asparagus on baked tarts. Sprinkle with olives and gremolata. If you like, serve with lemon wedges.
Nutritional Information:

Per serving (½ a tart): 531 calories, 74 g carbohydrates, 31 g protein, 16 g total fat, 3 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 138 mg sodium, 19 g fiber, 5 g sugar

Note: Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only.

Comments (1)

(1 from 1 vote)

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Jenny

Super dry. Very disappointing.

About the Author

headshot of Caitlyn Diimig, RD

About the Author

Caitlyn Diimig, RD

Caitlyn Diimig is a registered dietitian and food editor for Dotdash Meredith and Allrecipes magazine. Her love for all things food, health, and writing landed her in a career in food media, where she has worked for nearly a decade. Whether editing complex health information into easy-to-understand stories or developing 30-minute delicious recipes for dinner tonight, she makes leading a healthy lifestyle achievable through food. Diimig has years of experience helping people with diabetes. She has worked for Diabetic Living magazine and is a former co-chair for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Young Professional Leadership Council of Iowa. Follow her on LinkedIn.

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