Spinach, cheese, and cherry tomato tart
Spinach, Cheese, and Cherry Tomato Tart - a Delicious and Healthy Recipe
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Today, I present to you a wonderful recipe for a spinach, cheese, and cherry tomato tart that will not only delight your taste buds but also provide a significant nutritional boost. Spinach is a vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals, and its combination with cheese and cherry tomatoes gives it a unique flavor and pleasant texture. This dish is perfect for a light lunch, a family dinner, or even a picnic outdoors.
Let’s begin our culinary adventure!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 egg
- 100 ml water
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 270 g flour
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- A pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 2 bunches of spinach (about 230 g)
- A few green onions
- 85 g grated cheese
- 300 g buffalo cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 5 eggs
- 12 cherry tomatoes
Preparation
Step 1: Making the dough
In a large bowl, crack the egg and add the softened butter. Mix well with a spatula or whisk until you achieve a smooth consistency. Gradually add the water, flour, cornmeal, and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic but not too firm. If it's too sticky, you can add a bit more flour.
Once you have the desired dough, form it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a flaky crust that won't break during baking.
Step 2: Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, wash the spinach thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, place it in a pot of boiling water and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. After it has softened, drain the spinach and chop it finely.
In a skillet, add a bit of butter and sauté the chopped green onions until they become translucent. Add the chopped spinach and cook until all the moisture has evaporated. This will enhance the flavor of the spinach.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the grated cheese and crumbled buffalo cheese. Mix well and add the spinach and onion mixture, making sure to let them cool slightly before combining. At this stage, do not add salt, as the buffalo cheese is already salty.
Step 3: Assembling the tart
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and set aside a small portion for decoration. Roll out the remaining dough on a floured surface until you achieve a thin sheet. Place the dough in the prepared tart pan (lined with parchment paper) and ensure that the edges are raised to contain the filling.
Place a piece of parchment paper over the dough and add dried beans to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Bake the crust in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until it becomes lightly golden.
Step 4: Adding the filling
Remove the tart pan from the oven and take off the parchment paper with the beans. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes on the bottom of the tart, then pour the spinach and cheese mixture evenly on top. From the reserved dough, you can cut thin strips and braid them to decorate the edge of the tart. A creative idea would be to form a star on the surface of the tart, as my daughter suggested, for a more appealing look.
Step 5: Final baking
Beat an egg and lightly brush the top of the tart with it to achieve a golden, shiny crust. Place the tart in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tart turns a golden-brown color.
Serving
The spinach, cheese, and cherry tomato tart can be served warm or cold. It is perfect for a snack between meals, as an appetizer at an elegant dinner, or even as lunch at the office. You can accompany it with a fresh green salad or a tomato and basil salad for a contrast of flavors.
Nutritional Benefits
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins (A, C, K), minerals (iron, calcium), and antioxidants. The cheese adds a good portion of protein and calcium, while cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant for heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute buffalo cheese with feta cheese or cottage cheese, depending on your preferences.
2. Can I freeze the tart?
The tart can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to maintain the texture of the crust.
3. Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, this tart is vegetarian and can be enjoyed by those following a meat-free diet.
Possible Variations
- Add some black olives or bell peppers for different flavors and textures.
- You can use other types of greens, such as nettles or parsley, instead of spinach to diversify the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra burst of flavor, you can top the tart with some fresh basil or dill leaves. Additionally, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top before serving will enhance the flavors.
This spinach, cheese, and cherry tomato tart is not only a simple recipe but also an excellent way to enjoy delicious vegetables. I hope you will try making it and bring a splash of color and flavor to your kitchen! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: Base: one egg, 100 ml water, 100 g butter, 270 g flour, 2 tablespoons cornmeal, a pinch of salt. Filling: two bunches of spinach (230 g), a few green onions, 85 g cheese, 300 g buffalo cheese, 5 eggs, 12 cherry tomatoes.
