Pea tart
Pea tart is a recipe that combines the savory taste of chicken breast with the freshness of peas and cottage cheese, all in a delicious pastry crust. This dish is not only a culinary delight but also a healthy choice, packed with nutrients. Moreover, it is a perfect recipe for quick lunches or family dinners, guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
*For the dough:*
- 250 g wheat flour
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
*For the filling:*
- 300 g cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sour cream
- 1 jar of peas (about 400 g)
- 1 chicken breast (about 300 g)
- 4 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- Oil (for frying)
- Fresh dill (for flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Step-by-step guide for a perfect tart:
Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential to ensure a fine texture for the dough.
2. Add the room-temperature butter cut into cubes. Use your fingers to rub it together with the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 2-3 tablespoons of warm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and add it to the flour mixture.
4. Add the egg, sugar, and salt. Mix everything well until you obtain a homogeneous, non-sticky dough. If necessary, you can add a few drops of cold water to help form the dough.
5. Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step will help solidify the butter, leading to a crispier crust.
Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Cut the chicken breast into cubes and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a frying pan, heat a little oil and fry the chicken cubes until golden and slightly browned. This process will add a delicious note and a crispy texture. Once fried, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sour cream, beaten eggs, chopped fresh dill, drained peas, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Ensure the mixture is uniform and well combined.
Step 3: Assembling the tart
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Grease a baking dish with oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
3. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to obtain a sheet that covers the bottom and sides of the dish. Make sure the dough is not too thin to avoid tearing during baking.
4. Place the dough in the dish, making sure to raise the edges to create a crust. Evenly distribute the fried chicken cubes on the bottom of the tart.
5. Pour the cheese and pea mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly. You can save a little of the mixture to add later on top of the filling for an attractive appearance.
6. If you have leftover cheese mixture, you can add a final layer on top of the filling for an appetizing look.
Step 4: Baking the tart
1. Place the tart in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes.
2. After 20 minutes, remove the tart and brush it with a beaten egg to achieve a golden and shiny crust.
3. Return the tart to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until it becomes golden and well-baked.
Step 5: Serving
1. Once the tart is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Serve the tart warm, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with dill for a refreshing contrast.
Practical tips:
- Ingredients: Use fresh cottage cheese for optimal taste. If you want a richer version, you can also add feta cheese.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or basil, to customize your recipe.
- Variations: You can replace the chicken breast with turkey meat or, for a vegetarian version, add mushrooms or vegetables of your choice.
- New flavors: If you have it on hand, you can also add a little grated parmesan to the filling for a more intense flavor.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of pea tart contains approximately 350 calories, making it a balanced choice for a meal. Cottage cheese and peas are excellent sources of protein and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. Additionally, peas are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and have antioxidant properties.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I make the tart gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour for the dough. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.
2. How can I store leftover tart? The tart can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.
3. Is the tart suitable for freezing? Yes, you can freeze the tart before baking. You can bake it directly from the freezer, but it will require additional baking time.
Pea tart is more than just a simple recipe; it is a way to bring the family together at the table, to experiment, and to enjoy delicious dishes. Try it and discover how a simple dish can bring so much satisfaction and joy!
Ingredients: Dough 250 g flour 125 g butter 1 teaspoon dry yeast 1 egg 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt FILLING 300 g cottage cheese 2 eggs 100 g sour cream 1 jar of peas 1 chicken breast 4 cloves of garlic oil dill salt pepper
