Pumpkin tatin: chef Laurent Mariotte flips squash for an ultra-gourmet autumn treat

11/09/2025

Reading time: about 1 minute

Laurent Mariotte : “Je me suis amusé à renverser le potimarron dans une Tatin”, une idée originale et ultra gourmande pour l’automne

When autumn arrives, French kitchens embrace pumpkins and squashes. Chef and TV presenter Laurent Mariotte put a seasonal spin on potimarron with a savory tarte tatin that pairs caramel and red onions for deep, rounded flavors.

Why potimarron works so well in savory tarts

Potimarron is dense and nutty. Its texture holds up to baking and caramelization. The skin can add color and flavor when left on.

Combining potimarron with oignons rouges caramélisés brings acidity and sweetness. This contrast lifts the dish and makes it ideal for autumn menus.

Ingredients for six people — pantry-friendly list

  • 1 medium potimarron
  • 2 red onions
  • 100 g light cane sugar
  • 10 cl apple cider vinegar
  • 100 g unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry

Step-by-step: how to make this savory potimarron tatin

  1. Thinly slice the red onions. Sauté in a knob of butter over medium heat until soft and lightly browned, about five minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 170°C. Wash the potimarron, remove seeds, and cut into 12–16 wedges.
  3. Make a simple caramel: melt the sugar with a splash of water until golden. Add the cider vinegar to halt cooking and add brightness.
  4. Reduce the mixture by half, then whisk in the remaining butter until smooth and glossy.
  5. Pour the caramel into the base of a tart tin in an even layer.
  6. Arrange potimarron wedges in a decorative rosette over the caramel. Scatter the sautéed onions on top.
  7. Cover with the puff pastry, tucking the edges inside the tin. Pierce a small vent in the center.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes until pastry is golden and filling tender. Let the tart rest until just warm, then invert onto a serving plate.

Quick tips for a flawless result

  • Caramel balance: add the vinegar slowly to control acidity.
  • Keep the potimarron wedges uniform for even cooking.
  • Let the tart cool slightly to prevent the caramel from running when turned out.

Presentation and serving suggestions to boost flavor

Serve warm with a simple green salad or a spoonful of crème fraîche. The sweet, tangy caramel and the savory flesh of the potimarron pair well with crisp white wines.

Laurent Mariotte’s anti-waste trick for the potimarron

To get clean, regular slices, trim the ends of each wedge. Use the leftover bits for a cozy soup. This preserves the vegetable’s flavor and reduces waste.

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