Spinach, cheese and egg tart

Spinach, Cheese, and Egg Tart – a savory delicacy, perfect for Easter celebrations or any occasion when you want to impress with a delicious and visually appealing appetizer. This tart recipe is not only a burst of flavors but also a perfect blend of textures that will delight both the eyes and the taste buds. Easy to prepare, this tart quickly becomes a favorite among friends and family.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 300 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 125 g cold butter, diced
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:
- 9 eggs + 1 egg white
- 500 g fresh spinach
- 600 g cottage cheese (you can also use feta cheese for a stronger flavor)
- 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
- 1 bunch dill, finely chopped
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk

Preparing the crust

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. This step is essential to ensure a delicious base for the tart, as the salt enhances the flavors.

2. Add the butter: Incorporate the cold butter into the flour mixture, using your fingers or a pastry cutter to achieve a crumbly texture, similar to sand. Make sure the butter is cold, as this will help create a beautiful, flaky texture.

3. Add the egg and water: Beat the egg in a small bowl and add the 3 tablespoons of water. Pour this mixture into the bowl with the flour and butter, gently mixing until the ingredients come together.

4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead quickly, just until it is smooth. Avoid over-kneading, as this could result in a less tender tart.

5. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This step is crucial, as it allows the gluten to relax, resulting in dough that is easier to roll out.

Preparing the filling

1. Wash and blanch the spinach: Rinse the spinach well under running water, then place it in a pot of boiling water. Blanch the spinach for 2 minutes, then drain it well to remove excess water. This step will help preserve the vibrant color and nutrients in the spinach.

2. Blend the filling: In a food processor, combine the blanched spinach, cottage cheese, parsley, dill, and the 9 eggs (plus the egg white). Blend until you achieve a smooth mixture. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. The nutmeg adds a warm note and complexity to the filling.

Assembling the tart

1. Divide the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each part on a floured work surface until you have sheets about 3 mm thick.

2. Place the first sheet: Grease a tart pan with butter and place the first sheet of dough, ensuring that the edges are covered as well. This will help prevent the filling from leaking.

3. Add the filling: Pour the spinach and cheese filling into the pan, leveling it evenly.

4. Create nests for the eggs: Using a spoon or ladle, make 6 small nests in the filling. Carefully crack the eggs and place them in the nests, 5 around the edges and one in the center.

5. Cover the tart: Place the second sheet of dough over the filling, trimming any excess dough from the edges. You can use the leftover dough to create decorations, such as leaves or flowers, which will add a decorative touch.

6. Prepare for baking: In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with the 2 tablespoons of milk and brush the entire tart with this mixture. This will give it a golden color and an appetizing shine.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. A consistent temperature is essential for even baking.

2. Bake the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until it is golden and the filling is firm.

3. Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the tart to cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set, making it easier to portion.

Helpful tips

- For a stronger flavor: Replace the cottage cheese with feta cheese or add a few slices of Emmental cheese for a deeper flavor.
- Vegetarian option: You can add sautéed mushrooms or red bell peppers to diversify the filling.
- Serving: The spinach and egg tart is delicious both warm and cold, making it a perfect appetizer for a festive meal or a picnic.

Nutritional benefits

This tart is rich in protein due to the eggs and cheese, as well as vitamins and minerals from the spinach. Spinach is an excellent source of iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, making it a nutritious and healthful food.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using it in the filling.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven before serving.

3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can experiment with zucchini, broccoli, or even olives to customize the filling to your liking.

In conclusion, the spinach, cheese, and egg tart is a versatile and delicious recipe that is easy to prepare and will add flavor to any festive meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment and add your personal touch to this classic recipe!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 300g flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 125g butter, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons water. For the filling: 9 eggs + 1 egg white, 500g spinach, 600g cottage cheese, 1 bunch parsley, 1 bunch dill, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, pepper. For brushing: 1 egg yolk, 2 tablespoons milk.

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