National Dish Burkina Faso: Tarte aux Oignons (Recipe)
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Meet Tarte aux Oignons, the golden onion tart that has become a firm favourite in Burkina Faso. Slowly softened onions turn sweet and mellow, then settle into a crisp pastry case under a silky bake of egg and cream. It is unfussy, generous food — equally at home as a light main course, a starter or a slice handed round with drinks. A few humble ingredients, one hot oven, and the whole kitchen smells wonderful.
About Tarte aux Oignons
Tarte aux Oignons is a traditional dish from Burkina Faso that is as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. The tart brings together the sweet, rounded flavour of onions and a savoury pastry crust, which makes it suitable for just about any occasion. Whether you serve it as a main course or as a side, the tart is a genuine treat for the senses. It also lends itself beautifully to variation, so you can adjust it to suit different tastes.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g plain flour
- 100 g butter
- 500 g onions
- 2 eggs
- 200 ml cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nutmeg (optional)
Shopping for the ingredients
To gather the best ingredients for your tarte aux oignons, start at your local supermarket or an organic grocer. Take care to pick out fresh, good-quality onions, since they are the heart of the dish. When it comes to the butter, it pays to choose a high-quality product, as it deepens the overall flavour. Special spices such as nutmeg can also be found in well-stocked shops and give the tart that little something extra.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin cooking, prepare all the ingredients carefully. Slice the onions into fine rings and leave them to rest in the open air, which brings out their natural sweetness. You can also preheat the oven at this stage so it is at the right baking temperature later on. It helps, too, to take out the tart tin early and get it ready, so it is waiting for you once the pastry and filling are done.
Step-by-step instructions
- Make the pastry from the flour and butter and press it into the tart tin.
- Gently soften the onions in a pan with a little butter.
- Spread the softened onions evenly over the pastry base.
- Whisk together the eggs and cream and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture over the onions.
- Bake the tart in the preheated oven at 180 °C for around 30–35 minutes, until the surface is golden brown.
- Let it cool a little before serving, then cut into slices.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free tarte aux oignons, use a blend of gluten-free flours in place of wheat flour. Plenty of alternatives work well here, such as rice flour or almond flour. Lactose-free products are just as easy to swap in: simply use lactose-free butter and cream instead of the conventional versions. Do check that every ingredient you use is certified gluten- and lactose-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
If you would like to make a vegan version of the tart, replace the eggs with a mixture of ground linseed and water, or with apple purée. The cream can be swapped for a plant-based alternative such as coconut or soya cream. In place of butter, use vegan margarine or coconut oil to keep the pastry crisp and full of flavour. That way you can enjoy this delicious dish without any animal products at all.
More tips and tricks
To make the most of your tart, try adding different cheeses — Emmental or goat’s cheese both work beautifully. They give the dish an extra dimension and a creamy texture. Experiment with herbs such as thyme or oregano for a fresh, aromatic lift. Above all, make sure the onions are softened thoroughly so their sweetness comes through without losing any flavour.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The joy of this tart is how easily it can be adjusted to suit different preferences. Add vegetables such as peppers or spinach for more colour and nutrition, or take a cue from the vegetable-forward Fonio aux Légumes. You can also try different cheeses to discover new flavour combinations. Be creative and turn the tart into a personal highlight of your own cooking.
Ingredient substitutions
If certain ingredients are not to hand, there are plenty of alternatives that work well. Instead of flour, you might use polenta to create a gluten-free base — much like the maize used in a Galette de Maïs. In place of onions, shallots offer a milder flavour. For the egg and cream mixture, soya yoghurt or another plant-based option will make the dish every bit as delicious.
Drink pairing ideas
A number of drinks go well with this tart, depending on what your guests enjoy. A crisp, dry white wine is a perfect match and lifts the flavour of the onions. A light rosé is another excellent choice, especially on warm summer days. For an alcohol-free option, try sparkling mineral water, a home-made lemonade with fresh herbs, or a chilled glass of Bissap.
Serving and presentation ideas
Serve your tarte aux oignons in style by setting it out on a handsome wooden board or an elegant cake stand. Decorate the edge with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a particularly inviting look. Small slices can be plated individually and garnished with a spoonful of soured cream or vegan yoghurt. Presentation makes a real difference — the dish should delight before the first bite.
A bit of history
The onion tart has a long tradition in West African cooking, where it is adapted in many regional and cultural variations. Onions are an essential staple across much of the continent, which goes a long way towards explaining the dish’s popularity. The combination of simple ingredients and endless room for creativity has made the tart a timeless favourite in countless households, and a fine ambassador for Burkinabè cuisine. It often appears at festivals and special occasions, bringing people together around the table.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Tarte aux Oignons
Tarte aux oignons offers not only a fine balance of flavours and textures, but also remarkable versatility. Whether for a relaxed supper or a festive occasion, it is always a highlight on the table. Simple ingredients and a straightforward method are the reasons it is so widely loved. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious flavours of Burkina Faso in your own kitchen!
