Adding mealworm powder into the pastry is a great way of hiding insect protein in your food, especially for people who don't want to see physical insects on their plate.
Ingredients
  • 25g butter
  • 2 onions, halved and finely sliced
  • 3 eggs
  • 250ml pot double cream
  • 140g mature cheddar, coarsely grated
  • Mealworms
For the pastry
  • 250g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 140g cold butter - cubed
  • 30g mealworm powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 9 tbsp cold water

Method

  • To make the pastry, tip the flour, mealworm powder and butter into a bowl, then rub together with your fingertips until completely mixed and crumbly.
  
  • Add 9 tbsp cold water, then bring everything together with your hands until just combined. Roll into a ball and use straight away or chill for up to 2 days. The pastry can also be frozen for up to a month.
  • Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a round about 5cm larger than a 25cm tin. Use your rolling pin to lift it up, then drape over the tart case so there is an overhang of pastry on the sides. Using a small ball of pastry scraps, push the pastry into the corners of the tin. Chill in the fridge for 20 mins.
  • Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. While the pastry is chilling, heat the butter in a pan and cook the onions for 20 mins, stirring occasionally, until they become sticky and golden. Remove from the heat.
  • Lightly prick the base of the tart with a fork, line the tart case with a large circle of greaseproof paper, then fill with baking beans.

  • If you do not have baking beans, you can use uncooked rice or lentils - but do not skip this part as the pastry can puff up.

  • Blind-bake the tart for 20 mins, remove the paper and beans, then continue to cook for 5-10 mins until biscuit brown.
  • Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a bowl, then gradually add the cream. Stir in the onions and half the cheese, then season with salt and pepper. Carefully tip the filling into the case, sprinkle with the rest of the cheese and the mealworms. If you like you can add mealworms into the actual mixture too.


  • Then bake for 20-25 mins until set and golden.
 
  • Leave to cool in the case, trim the edges of the pastry, then remove and serve in slices.