Cheese and ham tart
Cheese and Ham Tart - a delicious recipe that combines the flavor of cheese with the crispy texture of a fine pastry, perfect for any meal. This tart has stuck in my mind after seeing it at Ruxy, and now I want to share my personal interpretation with you. I invite you to discover how to prepare this cheese and ham tart, which will surely become a star in your kitchen!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 250 g flour
- 125 g cold butter (cut into cubes for better incorporation)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 250 g strong cheese (a cheese with an intense taste that provides a distinctive aroma)
- 150 g cottage cheese (preferably fresh and creamy)
- 200 g sour cream (you can use fat sour cream for a richer taste)
- 3 eggs
- 150 g ham (cut into cubes, you can use smoked ham for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 bell pepper (for a splash of color and freshness)
Step by step
1. Preparing the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl and add salt. This step helps aerate the flour and achieve a lighter dough. Add the cold butter cubes and, using your fingers, knead until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It is important for the butter to be cold to achieve a crispy crust.
2. Forming the dough: Add the lightly beaten egg and the two tablespoons of cold water. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and homogeneous. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. Once you have formed the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
3. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, combine the two types of cheese (strong and cottage) with the sour cream. Mix well until you obtain a uniform composition. Add the yolks from the 3 eggs, the ham cubes, salt, and pepper to taste. Finally, gently fold in the beaten egg whites. This step will make the filling fluffier and airier.
4. Assembling the tart: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the tart pan. Place the dough sheet in the pan, ensuring it is well pressed against the sides. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the dough, preventing air bubbles from forming.
5. Add the filling: Pour the cheese and ham mixture into the tart pan, leveling it evenly. Top with thin slices of bell pepper, which will not only add a splash of color but also a crunchy texture.
6. Baking: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and the filling is well set. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes of baking to allow the tart to rise evenly.
7. Serving: The cheese and ham tart can be enjoyed warm or cold. It is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even as an appetizer at a gathering with friends. You can accompany it with a fresh green salad or a yogurt and dill sauce for an extra touch of freshness.
Useful tips
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, or add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to diversify the filling.
- Storing the tart: If you have leftover tart, you can keep it in the fridge, covered, for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven to regain its crispiness.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of this tart contains approximately 300-350 calories, being a good source of protein due to the cheeses and ham. It is a hearty meal, suitable for starting your day with energy.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use vegan cheese? Absolutely! There are many vegan cheese alternatives that can be incorporated into this recipe.
2. Can the tart be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the tart before baking. Once defrosted, bake it according to the instructions.
3. Can I use another type of meat? Of course! You can replace the ham with cooked chicken, bacon, or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Personal stories
I fondly remember how, in my childhood, my mother would make the cheese and ham tart as a dessert for holiday celebrations. The aroma of fresh cheese and smoked ham filled the entire house and brought the family together around the table, creating unforgettable moments. Now, when I prepare it, I feel like I am bringing back those beautiful memories.
I encourage you to try this simple and delicious recipe, to play with the ingredients, and to personalize it to your taste! The cheese and ham tart is not just a dish, but also an opportunity to create pleasant memories with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: For the dough: 250g flour, 125g butter, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons cold water, 1 teaspoon salt. For the filling: 250g sheep cheese, 150g crumbled cow cheese, 200g sour cream, 3 eggs, 150g ham, salt, pepper, 1 bell pepper.
