Spinach and feta tart

Spinach and Feta Tart – a delicious and flavorful recipe

Who doesn't love a savory tart with a rich filling that delights the taste buds? The spinach and feta tart is not only a tasty dish but also a healthy choice, packed with nutrients. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for light lunches, dinners with friends, or even as an appetizer at a party. In the following, I will guide you step by step through the process of preparing this delicious tart, providing you with tips and tricks to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

The history of the spinach and feta tart

The tart is a culinary dish with deep roots in gastronomic history, with origins that date back to ancient times. This version, with spinach and feta, is a modern adaptation of traditional recipes, combining simple and accessible ingredients with rich and characterful flavors. Spinach, known for its nutritional benefits, is a versatile ingredient, while feta cheese adds a creamy note and a slightly salty taste, perfect for balancing the flavors.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 gr. flour
- 100 gr. cottage cheese
- 7 tablespoons oil (you can use olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- salt to taste

For the filling:
- 500 gr. fresh spinach or 250 gr. frozen spinach
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (optional)
- 4 tablespoons oil (olive or sunflower)
- a pinch of salt
- pepper to taste
- 200 gr. feta cheese, crumbled
- 150 gr. sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 50 gr. grated cheese (Emmental or Gouda, for a more intense flavor)

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cottage cheese, oil, and salt. Knead the ingredients until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour. Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to firm up and make it easier to roll out.

2. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. In a large skillet, add the oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. If using fresh spinach, wash it well and add it to the skillet, stirring until it wilts. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is thawed and well-drained before adding. Season with salt and pepper, then let the mixture cool.

3. Preparing the mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese with the sour cream and eggs. Mix well until you obtain a creamy mixture. After the spinach filling has cooled, add it to the bowl with the cheese and mix all the ingredients until well combined.

4. Assembling the tart: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to about 3-5 mm thickness. Place the dough in a greased tart pan, ensuring to cover the edges as well. Pour the spinach and feta mixture over the dough, smoothing it out with a spatula.

5. Baking: Sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the filling for added flavor and texture. Place the tart in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is set. Check the tart with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

6. Serving: Let the tart cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. You can serve the tart warm, but it is also delicious at room temperature. You can accompany it with a fresh green salad for a healthy lunch or with a serving of plain yogurt for a fresh contrast.

Useful tips

- If you want to add extra flavor, you can include fresh herbs in the spinach mixture, such as dill or parsley.
- The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This recipe is versatile; you can experiment with different types of cheese or add additional vegetables, such as peppers or mushrooms, to change the flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Spinach is known for its high content of vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals (iron, calcium), making it an ideal ingredient for a balanced diet. Feta cheese adds protein and calcium, while eggs contribute essential nutrients for the body’s health. This tart is not only delicious but also provides a good source of energy and nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach is an excellent alternative. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the filling.

2. What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you don’t like feta, you can use goat cheese or ricotta for a different texture.

3. How can I make the tart crispier?
For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the dough for 10 minutes before adding the filling.

4. Can I make the tart vegan?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds or tofu for a vegan version.

Delicious combinations

The spinach and feta tart pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade. You can also accompany it with a lightly spicy vegetable soup for a complete and satisfying lunch.

So, embark on your culinary adventure and enjoy every step of preparing this delicious tart! Don’t forget to share the final result with your loved ones – they will surely appreciate your effort and the taste!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for the dough: 200 g flour, 100 g cottage cheese, 7 tablespoons oil to taste. Ingredients for the filling: 500 g spinach, 1 onion, garlic (optional), 4 tablespoons oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, 200 g Feta cheese, 150 g sour cream, 2 eggs, 50 g grated Emmental or Gouda cheese.

 Tags:  cheese tart spinach pie