Spicy pie
Spicy Vegetable and Smoked Ham Tart
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today I will share with you the recipe for a spicy tart, full of flavors and varied textures, that will delight any table, whether it’s a family dinner or a party with friends. This recipe is based on a simple tart dough, which is perfect for supporting the rich filling of fresh vegetables and smoked ham.
A bit of history
The tart is a culinary dish with deep roots in gastronomic traditions, having a history that spans several centuries. Over time, the tart has evolved, becoming a symbol of fine dining, but also an accessible dish that anyone can prepare at home. This spicy version, with vegetables, is not only delicious but also healthy, making it an excellent choice for those who want to combine taste with nutrition.
Ingredients:
For the tart dough:
- 100 g lard (or butter, for a softer version)
- 225 g flour
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1 small zucchini
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1 medium onion
- 150 g smoked ham (or any other preferred meat)
- 200 g sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons grated cheese
- Cherry tomatoes (optional, for decoration)
- Chili pepper (to taste)
- Fresh thyme (or dried)
- Sweet paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Olive oil (for frying)
Ingredient details:
- Lard gives an unmistakable flavor to the dough, but you can also use butter for a finer texture.
- Eggplant and zucchini are versatile vegetables, rich in nutrients and low in calories, ideal for a balanced diet.
- Smoked ham adds a burst of flavor, but you can also opt for vegetarian options by replacing the meat with mushrooms or tofu.
- Sour cream and eggs create a creamy combination that binds all the ingredients together, providing a pleasant consistency.
Preparation:
1. Preparing the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the lard cut into cubes and rub it with the flour until you achieve a sandy texture.
- Add the egg and mix until the dough starts to come together. If it’s too dry, you can add a little cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes smooth.
- Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
2. Preparing the filling:
- While the dough is cooling, finely chop the onion, eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper.
- In a skillet, heat a little olive oil and add the onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent, then add the eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are lightly browned. Season with salt, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Cut the smoked ham into small cubes and add it to the skillet, mixing well to combine with the vegetables. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assembling the tart:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you achieve a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Place the dough in a tart pan, pricking the base with a fork to prevent puffing.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sour cream and a pinch of salt. Add the vegetable and ham mixture to the egg mixture and mix well to combine the ingredients.
- Pour the filling into the tart crust, sprinkle the grated cheese on top, and decorate with halved cherry tomatoes and chili peppers if you desire a spicier taste.
4. Baking:
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is firm and the crust is golden. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Practical tips and variations:
- The spicy tart is versatile! You can add other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or pumpkin, depending on your preferences.
- Instead of smoked ham, you can use chicken or even smoked fish for a surprising variant.
- Serve the tart warm, alongside a fresh green salad or a garlic yogurt dip to balance the flavors.
- The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and is delicious cold, making it a perfect appetizer.
- A combination of white wine or a cold fruit cocktail will perfectly complement this dish.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of flour for the dough?
- Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but the texture and taste may vary.
2. How can I make the tart healthier?
- Replace half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt or add more vegetables for an extra nutrient boost.
3. Is the tart good the next day?
- Absolutely! The tart is delicious cold, making it perfect for a quick meal.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of spicy tart contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients. It is a good source of protein and fiber due to the vegetables and ham, and provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. The savory taste and crunchy texture make this tart an excellent choice for a satisfying meal.
I encourage you to try this spicy vegetable and smoked ham tart recipe, enjoy every step of the cooking process, and above all, treat yourself to a slice of this delight! Cooking is not just about food, but also about the joy of sharing beautiful moments with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Dough 100g lard 225g flour 1 egg a pinch of salt Filling 1 eggplant 1 zucchini 1/2 red bell pepper 1 onion 150g smoked ham (or anything you prefer) 200g sour cream 2 eggs 4 tablespoons grated cheese cherry tomatoes hot pepper fresh (or dried) thyme sweet paprika garlic powder salt olive oil
