Zucchini and cheese tart

Zucchini and Cheese Tart: a delicious and comforting recipe

When it comes to cooking, some recipes have the power to transport us to warm moments, family meals, and the joy of sharing tasty dishes with loved ones. The zucchini and cheese tart is one of those recipes, bringing a perfect mix of flavors and textures, ideal for any occasion – from a light lunch to a festive dinner.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8

This tart is not only a tasty choice but also a healthy option, rich in vegetables and proteins. Zucchini is a versatile summer vegetable, full of nutrients, and the cheese adds a creamy flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 100 g butter (softened at room temperature)

For the filling:
- 700 g zucchini (peeled and seeded)
- 1 red bell pepper (or another sweet pepper)
- 300 g semi-salted cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- A little freshly ground black pepper
- 2 long tomatoes
- 1 bunch of cherry tomatoes
- 3-4 olives (preferably green or black)
- 50 g grated cheese (for a savory topping)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by combining the ingredients for the dough. In a large bowl, place the flour and salt. Add the egg and cubed butter. Use your fingers to mix the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous texture, similar to wet sand. It is important not to knead too much to keep the dough flaky.

2. Resting the dough:
Once the dough is ready, form a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to achieve a perfectly crispy tart crust.

3. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, you can prepare the filling. Peel the zucchini and pepper. Wash the zucchini, grate it on a large grater, and place it in a sieve along with the finely chopped pepper. Sprinkle a little salt over the vegetables and let them drain for 10-15 minutes. This process will remove excess water and improve the final texture of the filling.

4. Mixing the ingredients:
After the vegetables have drained, squeeze them well to remove the juice. Place them in a large bowl, add the cottage cheese (grated), eggs, and black pepper. Mix everything well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. If the cheese is less salty, you can add a little salt, but be careful as the cottage cheese may already be salty.

5. Preheating the oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) to be ready for your delicious tart.

6. Forming the tart pan:
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface using a rolling pin. Roll it out to a thickness of about 3 mm. Place the dough in a greased tart pan (27 cm in diameter), making sure to cover the edges as well. Prick the dough in several places with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming during baking.

7. Adding the filling:
Pour the zucchini and pepper mixture into the prepared pan. Arrange the tomato slices around the edges and place the cherry tomato in the center. Slice the olives and add them among the tomato slices. Grate the cheese and sprinkle it on top for a delicious topping.

8. Baking:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is browned. The flavors will blend beautifully, and the tart will emit a velvety and appetizing aroma.

9. Serving:
Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce.

Practical tips:
- If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add fresh herbs like dill or basil to the filling.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, to achieve a different texture and taste.
- Make sure the vegetables are well drained; if they are too wet, the tart may become soggy.

Nutritional values (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
Of course! You can replace zucchini with eggplant or carrots, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the tart lower in calories?
You can use low-fat cheese and reduce the amount of butter in the dough, replacing it with Greek yogurt.

3. Is the zucchini and cheese tart a vegetarian dish?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian, being full of vegetables and cheese.

The zucchini and cheese tart recipe is not only a delicious choice but also an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into your diet. Whether you enjoy it at a festive meal or a daily lunch, this tart will bring you smiles and satisfaction. Try it out and turn each slice into an unforgettable experience, full of flavors and joy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 200 g flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 egg, 100 g butter. Filling: 700 g zucchini peeled and seeded, 1 Kapia pepper, 300 g semi-salted cow cheese, 2 eggs, a little ground black pepper, 2 elongated tomatoes, 1 bunch of cherry tomatoes, 3-4 olives, 50 g cheese. Pan diameter: 27 cm.