Chicken and Pea Tart

Chicken and Pea Tart: A Simple and Flavorful Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Who doesn't love a delicious tart that combines crispy textures with rich and flavorful fillings? The chicken and pea tart is a perfect choice for a family lunch or a dinner with friends. This recipe is not only simple but also versatile, allowing you to adapt it based on the ingredients available in your pantry.

The history of tarts dates back to ancient times when pastry was used to preserve and protect savory fillings. Over the years, tart recipes have diversified, becoming an integral part of international cuisine. In this version, we combine chicken breast with sweet peas and a smooth cheese cream, resulting in a dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the tart base:
- 150 ml warm water
- 250 g flour + 2 tablespoons wheat bran
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil or olive oil

For the filling:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300-400 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- chili (optional, for an extra kick)
- 350 g cottage cheese
- 100 g sour cream
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 2 handfuls of peas (fresh or frozen)
- 150 g grated cheese (for topping)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the tart base:
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the yeast with the sugar and add a little warm water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.

In a large bowl or bread machine, combine the flour, wheat bran, salt, and oil. Add the activated yeast mixture and the remaining water. If desired, you can use a food processor to knead the dough. Start on low speed, then gradually increase until you achieve a smooth and elastic dough. If kneading by hand, use your palms to work the dough for 8-10 minutes.

Once the dough is well kneaded, form it into a ball and let it rise in a warm place, covered with a clean towel, for 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, cut the chicken breast into cubes and season it with salt, pepper, and chili if you like a bit of heat. Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and juicy. Once cooked, let it cool.

In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, and dill. Use an immersion blender to achieve a smooth cream, but you can leave some texture depending on your preference. Add the peas and gently mix with a spatula.

3. Assembling the tarts:
After the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Grease a tart pan with oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you achieve a sheet about 5 mm thick. Transfer the dough to the tart pan, ensuring it rises up the sides of the mold.

Add the cooked chicken cubes, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the tart. Then, pour the cheese and pea mixture over the chicken. Top with a generous layer of grated cheese, which will create a golden and delicious crust.

4. Baking:
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is well cooked. Allow the tart to cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Serving and Suggestions

The chicken and pea tart is delicious served warm, alongside a fresh green salad or a tomato and onion salad. You can also add a cup of plain yogurt or balsamic vinegar for a contrast of flavors.

Possible Variations

This recipe is extremely versatile. You can substitute chicken breast with turkey or even vegetables for a vegetarian option. Instead of peas, you can use spinach or cooked broccoli. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for a distinct flavor.

Helpful Tips

- Ensure the chicken breast is cooked well but avoid drying it out. Always check the internal temperature of the meat, which should be 75°C.
- If you want a lighter dough, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for a more nutritious taste.
- The tart can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven before serving to restore its crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use low-fat cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cheese to make the dish lighter in calories, but the flavors will be slightly different.

2. How can I make the tart faster?
If you don't have time to make the dough, you can use store-bought tart pastry, which will significantly reduce the preparation time.

3. Is this tart suitable for freezing?
Yes, the tart can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

Nutritional Benefits

This tart is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken breast and eggs, while the cheese and sour cream provide a good amount of calcium. Peas add fiber and essential vitamins. A serving of the tart contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

In conclusion, the chicken and pea tart is a delicious recipe that combines tradition with modernity. It is simple, quick, and very versatile, allowing you to play with your favorite ingredients and flavors. Enjoy every bite and cherish the time spent in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: Base: 150 ml water ~250 g flour + 2 tablespoons wheat bran 1 teaspoon dry yeast 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon oil For the filling: 1 chicken breast 2 tablespoons olive oil salt and pepper hot chili 350 g cottage cheese 100 g sour cream 3 eggs 1 tablespoon dried dill 2 handfuls of peas salt and pepper 150 g cheese

 Tags:  chicken breast tart pea tart