Caramelized Fennel and Cornmeal Tart

Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of the sea salt in a medium bowl and stir well. Add the butter to the bowl and toss to coat.

Press the butter into the flour mixture with your hands or a pastry blender continuously until the mixture resembles coarsely ground cornmeal and there are no large pieces of butter visible.

Beat the egg in a small bowl and stir into the mixture with a fork until the dough begins to hold together.

Sprinkle flour over a clean, dry surface and scrape the dough onto it. Press and knead the dough, rotating it quickly, with the heel of your palm, until it is smooth.

Roll the dough into a 6-inch circle and lay it between two pieces of plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour.

Chop the fennel fronds until fine and reserve. Slice the bulbs in half lengthwise, cutting out the cores, and 
then slicing into ¼-inch slices.

Add the onion slices to the fennel slices in a large mixing bowl. Stir in 
3 tablespoons of the olive oil, the rosemary, thyme, the remaining 2 teaspoons of sea salt, and the pepper. Mix well.

In a large saucepan, heat the remaining two tablespoons of oil over
 medium-low heat. Stir in the fennel-onion mixture, cover and cook, 
stirring often, until the vegetables are very soft and thick,
 about 45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°. Using your fingers, press the chilled tart dough evenly in a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Cover the dough with parchment paper and fill with pie weights, rice or dried beans to keep the dough from rising while it bakes. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper. Bake for another 10 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Let cool slightly.

Remove the lid from the fennel-onion mixture and increase the heat to medium high, and cook about 5 minutes longer. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Spread the filling in the tart shell and sprinkle the chopped fennel greens and cheese (if using) evenly over the top. Serve hot or at room temperature.