Cheese and spinach tart
Spinach and Cheese Tart Recipe - A Delicious Culinary Experience
In search of a dish that combines flavor with health, the spinach and cheese tart is the ideal choice. This recipe will not only delight you with its aroma but also provide a perfect opportunity to practice your cooking skills. The tart, with deep roots in culinary tradition, is a wonderful way to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. I will provide you with a detailed recipe that will surely impress you and your loved ones.
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients
*For the dough:*
- 300 g flour
- 150 g cold butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 8-9 tablespoons cold water
*For the filling:*
- 1 kg spinach (preferably frozen, but fresh can also be used)
- 1 bunch green onions (or regular onion)
- 3 cloves garlic (or 1 bunch green garlic)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 eggs
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 200-300 g goat cheese (or feta cheese)
- 1 bunch dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
*For decoration:*
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
History of the Recipe
The tart is a dish with a rich history, appreciated since ancient times. Used in both sweet and savory variations, the tart has evolved over the centuries, becoming a symbol of refined gastronomy. The flaky dough, known as pâte brisée in its savory form, is the perfect base for a multitude of fillings. Its versatility allows for experimentation with various ingredients, making the tart an ideal dish for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Preparing the Dough
- Start by preparing the dough. In a mixing bowl, add the flour and salt.
- Add the cold butter cut into cubes. Mix on low speed for 5-10 seconds until the mixture resembles fine sand.
- Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together (about 10-15 seconds).
- Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (or overnight if preferred).
2. Preparing the Filling
- If using frozen spinach, let it thaw. It is important to drain it well to avoid a watery filling.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic, stirring briefly, then add the well-drained and chopped spinach. Mix the composition, then remove the skillet from heat.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and add the cottage cheese, grated goat cheese, chopped dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until combined.
3. Assembling the Tarts
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 3 mm. Roll it onto the pin and transfer it to a greased tart pan lined with flour.
- Cut off the excess dough from the edges with kitchen scissors and prick the dough with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming.
- Cover the dough with parchment paper and fill it with beans or a baking weight. Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
4. Finalizing the Tarts
- Remove the parchment paper and beans. Pour the spinach and cheese filling into the pre-baked dough.
- From the remaining dough, you can cut decorative shapes (e.g., flowers) and place them on top of the filling. Brush them with a mixture of egg yolk and milk for a shiny appearance.
- Bake the tart for another 20 minutes, then if you want a browner crust, leave it in the oven for an additional 10 minutes with the heat off.
5. Serving and Recommendations
- Let the tart cool well before cutting. This will allow the filling to set and make slicing easier.
- It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it an excellent choice for an appetizer, lunch, or dinner. You can accompany it with a fresh green salad or a light vinaigrette.
Useful Tips
- If you prefer a more flavorful version, you can add some spices, such as nutmeg or a dash of chili to the filling.
- The tart keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, and can be reheated in the oven to restore its crispness.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, to vary the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh spinach? Absolutely! Just make sure to wash and cook it well to reduce its volume and remove excess water.
- What other fillings could I try? You can create combinations with mushrooms, zucchini, or even minced meat. Be creative and adaptable!
- How can I make the dough easier to handle? Make sure the dough is well chilled and that you use enough flour to prevent sticking.
Nutritional Benefits
The spinach and cheese tart is not only delicious but also healthy. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron. Cottage cheese and goat cheese provide quality protein and calcium, contributing to a balanced diet.
In conclusion, this spinach and cheese tart recipe is not just a simple dish, but a true culinary experience. With each step, you will enjoy the cooking process and the final result, which will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, put on your apron and enjoy cooking! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: For the dough: 300 g flour, 150 g cold butter, 1 pinch of salt, 8-9 tablespoons of water. For the filling: 1 kg spinach (I used frozen, but not store-bought), 1 bunch of green onions, 3 cloves of garlic or 1 bunch of green garlic, 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 eggs, 200 g cottage cheese (from Lidl), 200-300 g goat cheese, 1 bunch of dill, salt, pepper. For decoration: 1 egg yolk, 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
