Savory mini tarts
Savory Mini Tarts with Smoked Meats and Cheese
If you're looking for an appetizer recipe that will impress your friends and family, savory mini tarts are the perfect choice. These treats are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to adapt them with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you serve them at a party, a picnic, or a family dinner, these mini tarts are sure to become the stars of the meal.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 10 mini tarts
Ingredients
*For the tart dough:*
- 250 g flour
- 125 g cold butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- 50 ml cold water
- 1 pinch of salt
*For the filling:*
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 150 g smoked meat (such as kaiser, pork belly, etc.)
- 100 g cottage cheese or grated cheese (or both, based on preference)
- Olive oil for sautéing
Preparation
1. Making the tart dough
Start by preparing the tart dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt and cold butter. Rub the two ingredients together with your fingers until you achieve a sandy texture. Add the egg and cold water, mixing gently until the dough begins to form. If necessary, you can add a bit more water, but be careful not to make it too soft.
Once you have a smooth dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This step will help it become easier to roll out.
2. Rolling out the dough and baking
After the dough has rested, take it out of the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 3-4 mm. Use tartlet molds (preferably fluted ones for an attractive look) to cut out circles from the dough. Place the circles in the prepared molds and prick them lightly with a fork to prevent puffing.
Bake the mini tarts in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes, until they turn golden.
3. Preparing the filling
While the dough is baking, it's time to prepare the filling. In a skillet, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. This step is essential, as the sautéed onion adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to your mini tarts.
Add the smoked meat cut into suitable pieces and continue to cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the meat is slightly browned, add the tomato paste and a cup of water. Let the mixture simmer on low heat until the liquid reduces, concentrating the flavors.
4. Assembling and final baking
Once the dough is baked and the filling is ready, take the molds out of the oven. Fill each mini tart with the onion and smoked meat mixture, then top with the cottage cheese or grated cheese, according to your preference. Return the mini tarts to the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes golden.
5. Serving
Savory mini tarts are delicious both warm and cold, so feel free to serve them however you like. You can pair them with a fresh salad or a refreshing drink. A combination of dry white wine or a fruit cocktail will perfectly complement the savory taste of these appetizers.
Practical Tips
- You can vary the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in the fridge. Add mushrooms, olives, or vegetables to turn the recipe into a vegetarian option.
- If you don't have tart molds, you can also use a muffin tin – the mini tarts will have a cute shape and be just as tasty.
- Instead of tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce or even pesto for a different flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
These savory mini tarts are a good source of protein from the smoked meats and cheese, while the onion adds a note of antioxidants. Additionally, if you use fresh ingredients, you'll benefit from essential vitamins.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with feta, mozzarella, or any cheese you like.
- Can I freeze the mini tarts? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked mini tarts. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
- What’s the best way to store them? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Savory mini tarts are perfect for any occasion and are an excellent way to bring friends and family together around the table. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the delicious flavors, turning every meal into a celebration!
Ingredients: for the filling: an onion, olive oil, 2 tablespoons of broth, some smoked meat, kaiser, pork brisket... whatever you have in the fridge... cow cheese or cheese (I used both) a portion of tart dough
