Ham and mozzarella tart

Ham and Mozzarella Tart Recipe: A Treat for All Ages

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 tarts

When it comes to cooking for little ones (and for adults too), few dishes can rival these ham and mozzarella tarts. These mini tarts are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you serve them as an appetizer at a party, as a snack for a school lunch, or as a quick meal during the week, they are sure to be appreciated!

A Brief History of Tarts

The origins of tarts are deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of many cultures, utilizing diverse combinations of dough and fillings. Over time, tarts have evolved from hearty dishes, adapting to tastes and available ingredients. These ham and mozzarella tarts are a modern reinterpretation, perfect for bringing joy to both young and old.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 15 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 230 ml warm water
- 70 ml olive oil or sunflower oil

For the filling:
- 250 g chicken ham (diced)
- 250 g cheese (can be telemea or cottage cheese)
- 100 g mozzarella (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 20 black olives (sliced)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. In another container, dissolve the yeast in warm water, stirring gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam. Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture, then pour this mixture over the flour. Start kneading the dough until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. This process should take about 10 minutes.

2. Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until the dough doubles in size. If you have little helpers, let them join you – cooking is always more fun as a team!

3. Forming the Tarts: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin until you achieve a thin sheet, about 3 mm thick. Use a glass or a flower-shaped cutter to cut circles or flowers from the dough. Carefully place them in mini pizza molds or greased muffin tins.

4. Preparing the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ham, cheese, mozzarella, bell peppers, and olives. Mix the ingredients well to achieve a homogeneous filling.

5. Fill the Tarts: Fill each tart with the filling mixture, being careful not to overfill them to avoid spilling during baking.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the trays in the oven and bake the tarts for 15-20 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy.

7. Serving: Once the tarts are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. They can be served warm or cold, and the verdict is that they are delicious in both versions!

Practical Tips

- If you want fluffier tarts, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt to the filling.
- You can experiment with other ingredients, such as mushrooms, spinach, or even grilled vegetables, for a vegetarian option.
- The tarts keep well in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Benefits

These tarts are not only delicious but also nutritious! The combination of proteins from ham and cheese with carbohydrates from the dough, plus vitamins from the vegetables, makes this dish a balanced choice for a quick meal. Each tart contains approximately 200 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast. Make sure to dissolve it well in warm water.

2. What can I use instead of mozzarella?
You can use feta cheese or cottage cheese, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I make the dough tastier?
You can add dried herbs (oregano, basil) to the dough for extra flavor.

Delicious Combinations

These tarts pair perfectly with a fresh vegetable salad or a garlic yogurt sauce for an extra flavor boost. Also, a glass of freshly squeezed juice or a fruit tea will perfectly complement this meal.

I hope you try this delicious ham and mozzarella tart recipe! Cooking is an art, and just like any artist, with each recipe, you will become more skilled. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour 15 g yeast 1 teaspoon salt 230 ml water 70 ml oil 250 g chicken ham 250 g cheese 100 g mozzarella red and green bell peppers 20 pitted black olives

 Tags:  ham tart mozzarella appetizers