Mediterranean tart with cheese
Mediterranean Cheese Tart: An Explosion of Flavors and Textures
Are you looking for a recipe that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of sunshine to your plate? The Mediterranean cheese tart is the perfect solution! With a delicious crust and a rich cheese filling, this dish can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. Let’s discover together the steps needed to create this culinary masterpiece.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature, make sure it’s soft for easy incorporation)
- 100 g feta cheese (choose a quality cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (helps balance the flavors)
- 2 tablespoons yogurt (preferably Greek, for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons sparkling water (adds a touch of effervescence)
- 300 g flour (type 650 is ideal)
- A pinch of baking soda (helps the dough rise)
For the filling:
- 3 eggs (the whole culinary magic starts with fresh eggs)
- 500 g yogurt (again, Greek yogurt is an excellent choice)
- 200 g goat cheese (a fantastic choice for a rich and creamy flavor)
- 2 tablespoons flour (helps bind the ingredients)
- 1/2 bunch dill (fresh, finely chopped)
- 1/2 bunch parsley (fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 160 g olives (preferably pitted to avoid surprises)
- A round tart pan (about 24 cm in diameter)
Preparing the crust
1. Mixing the ingredients: Start by adding the soft butter, feta cheese, and salt into a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to turn the ingredients into a smooth cream. If you don’t have a hand mixer, a regular mixer will work just as well.
2. Adding the flour: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking soda. Gradually add the flour mixture to the cheese and butter cream, mixing gently. You will get a soft and elastic dough, similar to playdough, which makes shaping much easier and more enjoyable.
3. Forming the dough: Gather the dough into a ball, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface, and gently shape it. Wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a perfectly crispy crust.
Preparing the filling
4. Mixing the filling: In a bowl, add the eggs and a pinch of salt. Whisk them for 2-3 minutes until frothy. Then, add the yogurt, flour, crumbled goat cheese, and finely chopped herbs. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition.
Assembling the tart
5. Rolling out the dough: Remove the dough from the fridge. In a round tart pan greased with a little butter and lined with parchment paper, evenly spread the dough, making sure to push it slightly up the sides of the pan. Use your fingers to shape it, ensuring it is even.
6. Pricking the dough: Use a fork to poke holes in the crust here and there. This step will prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
7. Adding the filling: Pour the prepared filling into the crust. Decorate with olives, whether you choose to use them pitted or not, but make sure to highlight this aspect when serving.
Baking
8. Putting it in the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tart in the oven and let it bake for 40 minutes, until golden and firm to the touch.
Serving
9. Cooling and serving: Once ready, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This cooling moment will help set the filling, making it easier to cut.
10. Serving suggestions: The Mediterranean cheese tart pairs perfectly with a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine is the ideal companion to highlight the intense flavors of the cheeses.
Useful tips
- Variations of ingredients: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as burduf cheese or mozzarella, for a different taste. Add vegetables like red peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Storing leftovers: If there’s any tart left, you can keep it in the fridge, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutritional information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 kcal, depending on the ingredients used. This Mediterranean cheese tart is rich in protein due to the cheeses and eggs, while the yogurt provides a beneficial calcium boost for bones.
Frequently asked questions
- Can the tart be frozen? Yes, the tart can be frozen before baking. Make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn.
- Can I use vegan cheese? Absolutely! There are many vegan cheese options on the market that can successfully replace goat or feta cheese.
- How can I make the tart spicier? Add chili flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
So, now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! The Mediterranean cheese tart is not only a simple recipe but also an opportunity to explore diverse flavors and textures, bringing a bit of sunshine to every meal. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Base: 200 g butter at room temperature, 100 g feta cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of yogurt, 2 tablespoons of sparkling water, 300 g flour, a pinch of baking soda. Filling: 3 eggs, 500 g yogurt, 200 g crumbled goat cheese, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 bunch of dill, 1/2 bunch of parsley, 1 teaspoon of salt, 160 g olives, a round tart pan.
