Vegetable and Bacon Tart

Vegetable and Bacon Tart: A savory delight that combines the crispy texture of the crust with the rich flavors of fresh vegetables and smoked bacon. This recipe is perfect for a delicious lunch or a casual dinner, being easy to prepare and very versatile. Plus, it's a fantastic choice to bring an explosion of colors and tastes to the table. Let’s discover together how to make this wonderful tart, step by step!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

For the crust:
- 250 g flour
- 125 g cottage cheese (preferably fresh, with a higher fat content)
- 5 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling:
- 250 g broccoli (fresh or frozen)
- 100 g sliced bacon (opt for quality, smoked bacon)
- 250 g cherry tomatoes (choose the ripest for a sweeter taste)
- 1 egg
- 1 yolk
- 100 g grated cheese (you can use your favorite cheese, even cheddar)
- 250 ml cream (preferably thick cream for a rich taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by step: Preparing the vegetable and bacon tart

1. Making the crust: In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the oil, salt, and egg. Use a fork to combine the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste. Then, add the flour mixed with the baking powder. Knead the dough until it becomes soft and elastic. It's important not to over-knead it to avoid making it tough.

2. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This step will make the dough easier to roll out and will help achieve a crispy crust.

3. Preparing the pan: Grease a 26 cm tart pan with a little oil and dust it with flour. This will prevent the dough from sticking to the pan.

4. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has chilled, remove it and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you get a sheet about 5 mm thick. Place the rolled-out dough in the pan, lifting the edges to create a border. Use a fork to prick the base in several places to allow steam to escape during baking.

5. Preparing the filling: Wash the broccoli, trim the stems, and separate the florets. Boil them in salted water for 4 minutes, then plunge them into cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Let them drain well.

6. Cooking the bacon: In a skillet, sauté the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. This will add a delicious flavor to your tart.

7. Assembling the tart: In a bowl, beat the egg, yolk, cream, grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Place the broccoli florets and crispy bacon on the tart base, then pour the egg and cream mixture over the vegetables.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden and the filling is set.

9. Serving: Once the tart is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve the tart warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh green salad for a perfect contrast.

Practical tips:
- You can replace broccoli with other vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, according to your preferences.
- If you want a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Make sure to use good quality cream to achieve a rich and creamy flavor.
- The tart keeps well in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. It can be reheated in the oven or enjoyed cold.

Nutritional benefits:
This tart is a good source of protein thanks to the cottage cheese, eggs, and bacon. Broccoli provides a considerable amount of vitamins and minerals, being rich in vitamin C and fiber. Additionally, cheese offers essential calcium for bone health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese for the crust?
Yes, you can experiment with feta cheese or goat cheese, depending on your taste preferences.

- How can I make the tart lower in calories?
You can reduce the amount of oil in the dough and use light cream. Also, replacing bacon with marinated tofu can lower the calories.

Pairing with other recipes or drinks:
This tart pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or mint lemonade. You can also accompany the tart with a vegetable soup for a complete meal.

Let’s enjoy this delicious recipe together and bring a touch of flavor to every meal! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 250 g flour, 125 g cottage cheese, 5 tablespoons oil, 1 egg, 1 pinch of salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Filling: 250 g broccoli, 100 g sliced bacon, 250 g cherry tomatoes, 1 egg; 1 yolk, 100 g grated cheese, 250 ml sour cream, salt, pepper.