Savory ricotta and spinach tart

Savory tart with ricotta and spinach - a quick and delicious recipe for holidays

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Welcome to my kitchen! In this recipe, I will guide you step by step in preparing a savory tart with ricotta and spinach, perfect for holidays or any special occasion. This tart is not only tasty but also very easy to make, and the combination of ingredients will delight any gourmet.

A bit of history

The savory tart has its origins in the medieval period when it was a simple and accessible dish. Over time, recipes have evolved, and the tart has become a symbol of festive meals, filled with various seasonal ingredients. Ricotta, a type of Italian cheese, adds a special creaminess, while spinach brings a note of freshness, making the combination particularly appealing.

Ingredients

- 1 package (300 g) puff pastry
- 200 g ricotta (make sure it is well drained)
- 100 g fresh or frozen spinach (if using frozen spinach, ensure it is well thawed and pressed to remove excess water)
- 100 g ham (cut into small cubes)
- 2 egg yolks
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- A pinch of hot paprika (optional, for an extra flavor)
- 1 egg or a little milk for brushing the edges

Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- If using fresh spinach, wash it well and boil it in a pot of water with a little salt for 2-3 minutes, then drain and chop finely. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is thawed and squeezed dry.

2. Preparing the filling:
- In a large bowl, add the well-drained ricotta and the cooked and chopped spinach. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
- Add the egg yolks, ham cubes, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and hot paprika. Mix until you have a homogeneous mixture. This mixture will be the filling for your tart.

3. Preparing the pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Remove the puff pastry from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to create a sheet that completely covers the tart pan. Make sure the edges are slightly raised to hold the filling.

4. Assembling the tart:
- Transfer the pastry to the tart pan, ensuring it is evenly placed.
- Pour the ricotta and spinach filling into the pastry, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with a beaten egg or a little milk to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

5. Baking:
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden. If you notice it is burning on top, cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent burning.

6. Serving:
- The tart can be served warm or cold, making it very versatile. You can accompany it with a fresh green salad or a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors.

Useful tips

- You can replace the ham with bacon or a vegetarian option by adding mushrooms or grilled zucchini.
- If you want to add extra flavor, try adding some green or black olives to the filling.
- The tart can be prepared a day in advance and reheated in the oven to maintain its crispy texture.

Nutritional information

This savory tart with ricotta and spinach is not only delicious but also nutritious. Ricotta is an excellent source of protein, rich in calcium, while spinach contains essential vitamins such as A, C, K, and minerals like iron. A serving of tart can contain approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can experiment with feta cheese or goat cheese for a different taste.

2. Is the recipe suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, replace ricotta with a mix of tofu and nutritional yeast and omit the ham.

3. Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, the tart can be frozen. Make sure it is well cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap.

I wish you good luck in preparing this savory tart with ricotta and spinach! It will surely add a touch of flavor to festive meals and quickly become a favorite recipe in your family. Don't forget to savor every bite and share this delicacy with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!