Ham and cheese pie
Ham and cheese tart – a recipe that blends tradition with flavor, perfect for a savory brunch or a relaxing dinner with loved ones. This tart is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it an excellent choice at any time of the day. In the following lines, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result, full of taste and aroma.
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients for the dough:
- 350 g flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the filling:
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg white
- 250 ml sour cream
- 1 onion (or 1 bunch of green onions or 1 piece of leek)
- 200 g pressed ham (or another preferred type of cold cut)
- 100 g cheese (optional, for extra flavor, you can use smoked cheese)
For brushing on top:
- 1 egg yolk
Preparing the dough:
1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is important to achieve a light and fluffy texture for the dough. Add the dry yeast and mix well with the flour.
2. In another container, combine the oil, salt, and lukewarm milk. Make sure the milk is not too hot, otherwise the yeast will be destroyed.
3. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the bowl with flour, stirring constantly. Continue mixing until you obtain a homogeneous dough.
4. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it comes off your hands and becomes elastic. This is an essential technique, as kneading helps develop gluten, which will give the tart a perfect texture.
5. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 40 minutes, until it doubles in volume.
Preparing the filling:
1. In a bowl, beat the two eggs together with the egg white and half a teaspoon of salt. This will add a creamy base to the filling.
2. Add the sour cream and mix well, ensuring everything is homogenized.
3. Cut the ham into small cubes and, if you prefer, you can lightly brown it in a pan for extra flavor. You can also grate the cheese or cut it into cubes.
4. Finely chop the onion and add it to the egg and sour cream mixture, along with the ham and cheese. Don't forget to add fresh basil, finely chopped, to enhance the flavors.
Assembling the tart:
1. After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out 2/3 of the dough with a rolling pin until you reach a thickness of about 5 mm.
2. Place the rolled-out dough in the prepared baking dish, making sure to cover the edges as well. It's important to integrate the edges to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
3. Prick the dough with a fork in several places to allow steam to escape during baking. This is a simple but effective trick to prevent air bubbles from forming.
4. Pour the filling of sour cream, eggs, ham, and cheese evenly over the dough.
5. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a beautiful crust effect.
6. Use the remaining dough to form long strips, which you can arrange decoratively on top of the filling. This detail will not only look wonderful but will also ensure a crispy texture.
7. Finally, brush the strips of dough with the egg yolk using a kitchen brush to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.
Baking:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden and crispy.
3. Once the tart is ready, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting. This is an important step that will help set the filling.
Serving:
The ham and cheese tart is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a salad of fresh tomatoes or a green salad with a light dressing to add a note of freshness. Additionally, a bottle of white wine or a natural fruit juice can perfectly complement this meal.
Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese – mozzarella or brie can bring another level of flavor.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables.
- For a spicy taste, add a few slices of chili pepper to the filling.
Frequently asked questions:
- What is the secret to a perfect tart dough?
Proper kneading and allowing the dough to rise in optimal conditions are essential for a fluffy and tasty dough.
- Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! Boiled chicken or even ground beef are excellent alternatives.
- How can I store the tart to prevent it from drying out?
It is best stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutritional benefits:
The ham and cheese tart is a good source of protein, thanks to the eggs and ham. It also contains calcium from the cheese and sour cream, essential for bone health. It is a hearty meal, perfect for energizing your day.
In conclusion, the ham and cheese tart is not only a simple recipe but also delicious, which can be customized according to your preferences. So, don't hesitate to try it and share it with your loved ones! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: Dough: 350 g flour, 1 packet of dry yeast, 200 ml lukewarm milk, salt, 3 tablespoons of oil. Filling: 2 eggs, 1 egg white, 250 ml sour cream, 1 onion (1 bunch of green onions or 1 piece of leek), 200 g ham, 100 g cheese. Topping: 1 egg yolk.
