Spinach and telemea cheese pie
Spinach and telemea tart: a simple and delicious recipe for special moments
Spinach and telemea tart is a versatile and tasty dish, perfect for quick lunches, family dinners, or even as an appetizer at a party. This recipe is based on simple yet quality ingredients that combine harmoniously to create a delightful taste. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner eager to impress your friends, this tart will surely become one of your favorite recipes.
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 220 g flour
- 1 egg
- 5 tablespoons oil (ideally extra virgin olive oil for a more aromatic taste)
- 5 tablespoons cold water (to help keep the dough tender)
For the filling:
- 300 g frozen spinach (or fresh, if available)
- 200 g telemea (you can use cow telemea or feta cheese, according to your preference)
- 2 eggs
- Salt, pepper, and a little sweet paprika (for a touch of color and flavor)
Recipe history:
Tarts with vegetable fillings have been prepared for centuries, serving as an ingenious way to use leftover ingredients. Spinach, used since ancient times, is associated with numerous nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Telemea, with its creamy texture and slightly salty taste, adds a special note to this recipe, transforming it into a savory dish.
Preparing the dough:
1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl to aerate it and avoid lumps. Add the egg, oil, and cold water.
2. Mix the ingredients with a fork or by hand until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Do not knead too much, as you want the dough to remain tender.
3. Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
Preparing the filling:
1. If using frozen spinach, thaw it and drain it well. It is important to remove excess water to avoid a mushy filling. If using fresh spinach, wash it well, then sauté it in a little oil until it wilts, then drain it.
2. In a bowl, add the drained spinach, grated telemea, eggs, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. Make sure the filling has a balanced taste; you can adjust the spices to your liking.
Assembling the tart:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you obtain a sheet about 3 mm thick. Use a rolling pin for uniformity.
3. Place the dough sheet in the tart pan, ensuring you cover the edges well. You can use a fork to prick the base of the dough so it doesn't puff up during baking.
4. Pour the spinach and telemea filling into the pan, leveling it with a spatula.
Baking:
1. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes to allow the tart to bake evenly.
2. Once the tart is ready, let it cool slightly before cutting. This will help maintain its shape and make portioning easier.
Useful tips:
- You can add other vegetables to the filling, such as sautéed onions or peppers, for extra flavor.
- The tart can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for a picnic or a lunch at the office.
- If you want an even crunchier texture, you can pre-bake the dough for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
Delicious combinations:
This tart pairs perfectly with a fresh arugula salad or a tomato and cucumber salad. Additionally, a refreshing drink like mint tea or citrus juice will perfectly complement the meal.
Nutritional benefits:
Spinach is an excellent source of iron, vitamins A, C, and K, while telemea provides calcium and protein. This tart is not only delicious but also nutritious, representing a healthy choice for any meal.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese instead of telemea? Absolutely! Feta or goat cheese are excellent alternatives.
- What can I do with leftover dough? You can shape small pies or cookies to bake separately.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Yes, all you need is to replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water or soft tofu.
In conclusion, spinach and telemea tart is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy a dish that will bring a smile to your loved ones' faces!
Ingredients: Dough: 220 g flour, 1 egg, 5 tablespoons oil, 5 tablespoons water. Filling: 300 g frozen spinach, 200 g telemea cheese, 2 eggs, salt, pepper, paprika.
