Rustic appetizer with spinach, peas, and cheeses

Rustic appetizer with spinach, peas, and cheeses

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Introduction and recipe story
The rustic appetizer with spinach, peas, and cheeses is a perfect choice for a family Sunday evening. This recipe harmoniously combines a light crust, similar to that of a tart, with a rich and flavorful filling. The origins of this type of appetizer are found in culinary traditions that emphasize fresh ingredients and simple yet delicious dishes. It can be customized based on the ingredients you have on hand, transforming it into a versatile dish that suits your tastes.

Necessary ingredients
For the crust:
- 300 g flour (plus a handful for dusting)
- 200 g soft butter
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 heaping tablespoons of sour cream
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin

For the filling:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 450 g frozen peas (or canned)
- A bowl of fresh spinach leaves, washed and cleaned
- 500 g thick sour cream
- 100 ml milk
- A pinch of salt
- 2 eggs
- 350 g cheese (preferably cottage cheese or ricotta)
- Slices of cheese for extra flavor
- 1 egg yolk for brushing

Preparing the crust
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, soft butter, egg yolks, sour cream, salt, and cumin. Using your fingers, knead the ingredients until a homogeneous dough forms.
2. The dough should not be sticky, so add extra flour if necessary.
3. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will allow the butter to firm up, resulting in a crispier crust.

Preparing the filling
4. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
5. Add the frozen peas and stir gently. Cook for 5 minutes, until the peas are tender but not fully cooked.
6. Add the grated carrot and mix well.
7. In another bowl, combine the thick sour cream with the milk, a pinch of salt, and the eggs. Mix well until homogeneous.
8. Once the peas and carrot are cooked, add the washed spinach, stirring constantly. Leave the mixture on the heat for a few minutes until the spinach wilts.
9. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Assembling the appetizer
10. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
11. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface, ensuring to form a circle with slightly raised edges to hold the filling.
12. Transfer the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and shape it as desired. Prick the dough with a fork in several places to prevent air bubbles from forming.
13. Pour the spinach and pea filling into the center of the dough and gently fold the edges over the filling, leaving part exposed.
14. Brush the edges with egg yolk for a beautiful golden color at the end.

Baking
15. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
16. Once ready, let it cool slightly before slicing.

Serving and suggestions
This rustic appetizer with spinach, peas, and cheeses is delicious served warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad and a glass of white wine, or even with a spiced tomato juice. You can also serve it alongside a garlic yogurt salsa for a refreshing touch.

Variations and useful tips
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini. Additionally, you can add fresh herbs like dill or basil for extra flavor.
- If you want an even richer taste, you can replace the cottage cheese with feta or ricotta cheese.
- This recipe is versatile and ideal for using up leftovers from the fridge—don’t hesitate to use whatever vegetables you have available.

Nutritional benefits
The appetizer provides a significant amount of protein from the cheeses, vitamins from the spinach and peas, while the carrot adds extra fiber. It is a balanced dish that offers energy and essential nutrients, ideal for a light meal or an appetizer.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace the peas with another type of vegetable?
Yes, you can use green beans, broccoli, or zucchini, depending on your preferences.
2. How long can the appetizer be stored?
It can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to maintain its crispy texture.
3. How can I make this appetizer vegetarian?
All the ingredients in the recipe are already vegetarian, but you can add more vegetables to the filling.

Enjoy this rustic appetizer with spinach, peas, and cheeses! It is a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for bringing family and friends together around the table.

 Ingredients: Dough: 300g flour, plus a handful for dusting the dough, 200g soft butter, 3 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons sour cream, a pinch of salt, 1/4 teaspoon cumin. Filling: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 5 cloves of garlic, 1 carrot, 450g frozen (or canned) peas, a bowl of fresh spinach leaves, 500g thick sour cream, 100ml milk, a pinch of salt, 2 eggs, 350g cheese, slices of cheese (a few slices), 1 egg yolk for brushing.

 Tags:  cheese tart spinach pie delaco cheese