Savory cake

Savory Cake: A Consistent and Flavorful Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 8

I invite you to discover a versatile and delicious dish, perfect for any meal, whether it's a family dinner or an appetizer for a party. The savory cake is a fantastic, easy-to-make option that combines a soft texture with flavorful fillings. Today's recipe will show you how to make a savory cake filled with colorful vegetables, ham, and cheese, all wrapped in a quick-to-make batter similar to that of a loaf cake.

A bit of history: The savory cake has its roots in pastry dishes but has evolved into various versions around the world. It typically gathers simple ingredients but with complex flavors, offering endless possibilities for customization. Additionally, it's ideal for using up leftover vegetables in your fridge, making it a sustainable and practical choice.

Your ingredients for a delicious savory cake are as follows:

For the base:
- 3 fresh eggs
- 2 teaspoons of sugar (or less, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (approximately 7g)
- 1 large yogurt (about 400g)
- 300g flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 100ml oil (olive oil gives a more intense flavor)

For the filling:
- 1 red bell pepper (you can also experiment with yellow or green peppers)
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 carrot (for a hint of sweetness)
- 4 slices of turkey ham (or pork ham, if you prefer)
- 150g cheese (feta or mozzarella are excellent options)
- 3 green onions
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil (or dried, but fresh is always more aromatic)

Step by Step for a Perfect Savory Cake:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature. This helps achieve a uniform texture. Crack the eggs into a large bowl and beat them well with a whisk or mixer, gradually adding the sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy.

2. Add yogurt and oil: Incorporate the yogurt and oil into the egg mixture. The yogurt will keep the base moist and soft, while the oil will add a rich flavor.

3. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Sift the flour along with the baking powder directly into the bowl with the egg mixture. Gently mix with a spatula to avoid lumps. Do not overmix; you want a homogeneous batter, but not elastic.

4. Prepare the filling: While preparing the batter, wash and chop all the vegetables into small cubes. These will add not only flavor but also color and texture. Also, chop the ham and cheese into small cubes so they disperse evenly in the batter.

5. Combine the batter with the filling: Add the vegetables, ham, cheese, chopped green onions, pepper, and basil to the prepared batter. Gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon so that the ingredients combine without crushing them.

6. Prepare the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a loaf pan (approximately 22x12 cm) by greasing it with oil or lining it with baking paper to prevent sticking.

7. Pour the batter into the pan: Pour the mixture into the pan, leveling the top with a spatula for an even surface.

8. Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is ready when it turns golden on top, and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

9. Cool and serve: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Useful Tips:
- You can customize the filling based on your preferences. Try adding green or black olives, or even some chopped nuts for extra texture.
- If you want to enhance the flavor, add a pinch of chopped garlic or garlic powder to the batter.
- This savory cake keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or for taking to the office as a snack.

Serving Combinations:
The savory cake pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a tomato salsa for a contrast of flavors. Additionally, a refreshing drink, such as mint tea or fresh fruit juice, will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional Values (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g

This savory cake is not only delicious but also an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into your diet. So, feel free to experiment and play with the ingredients. Enjoy cooking and bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 3 eggs, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 pinch of baking powder, 1 large yogurt, 300g flour, 100ml oil. For the filling: 1 red bell pepper, 1 zucchini, 1 carrot, 4 slices of turkey ham, 150g cheese, 3 green onions, pepper, basil.