Rice and Spinach Tart

Rice and Spinach Tart - a delicious and colorful recipe, perfect for bringing a touch of freshness and health to your plate! This tart is not only a tasty dish but also an explosion of nutrients, based on simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let's embark on a cooking adventure together and create a culinary masterpiece!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Recipe Story
The Rice and Spinach Tart has humble origins, being a dish that brings together accessible and healthy ingredients. And when it comes to spinach tart, we can't help but think of the versatility of this plant, which has been appreciated throughout history for its nutritional benefits. Spinach is an excellent source of iron, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a staple in many healthy diets. Now, let's bring this recipe to life!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 120 g butter (at room temperature, cut into cubes)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons cold milk
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 220 g rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- 200 g spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 2 green onions (with tops)
- 200 g mozzarella (grated)
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by preparing the dough. Place the flour in a large bowl and add the cubed butter in the center. It should be soft but not melted to achieve a flaky texture. Add the egg, salt, and begin to knead with your fingers until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

Tip: If you want a more aromatic dough, you can add a little vanilla essence or lemon zest.

Add the cold milk and continue to knead until the dough becomes soft but not sticky. Wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for an hour. This resting time will help develop the flavors and make the dough easier to handle.

2. Preparing the Filling
While the dough is cooling, you can prepare the filling. In a large pot, bring about 1 liter of water with a pinch of salt to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the well-washed spinach and let it blanch for 5 minutes. After this time, remove it and let it cool slightly, then chop it finely.

Tip: If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the filling.

Meanwhile, prepare another pot of water for the rice. Rinse the rice in 2-3 waters until the water runs clear, then boil it in salted water. Cook for about 15 minutes or until almost done. Then, turn off the heat and let it cool.

3. Combining the Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the 4 eggs with the sour cream. Add the grated mozzarella, finely chopped green onion, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper.

Add the cooked rice and gently mix until well combined. Then, add the cooled spinach and mix again until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Tip: For an extra flavor boost, you can also add some sautéed garlic or crumbled feta cheese to the filling.

4. Assembling the Tart
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two parts, one slightly larger than the other. Roll out the larger dough into a circle larger than the tart pan. Place it in the pan, making sure to cover all corners and edges.

Prick the dough in several places with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Pour the prepared filling into the pan and level it with a spatula.

Roll out the remaining dough and cover the tart, sealing the edges with your fingers to prevent leaks. You can make a few cuts on top to allow steam to escape. If desired, you can brush the tart with an egg yolk for a golden and shiny crust.

5. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tart in the oven for about 45 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Tip: In the last 10 minutes of baking, you can reduce the temperature to 160°C to avoid burning the top.

6. Serving
Once baked, let the tart cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with dill for a refreshing contrast.

Variations: You can experiment with various ingredients, such as adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or other types of cheese. Also, the tart can be served both warm and cold, making it perfect for picnics or family meals.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, frozen spinach is an excellent choice. Just make sure it is well drained before adding it to the filling.
- What other ingredients can I add? You can experiment with various vegetables, such as zucchini or bell pepper, or replace mozzarella with goat cheese for a more intense flavor.
- How can I store the tart? The tart stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven before serving.

Nutritional Benefits
This rice and spinach tart is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Rice provides complex carbohydrates, while spinach offers a rich supply of iron and vitamins A and C. Mozzarella contributes calcium and protein, and eggs add essential nutrients for a balanced diet.

Conclusion
Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to try this simple and delicious rice and spinach tart recipe. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it will surely impress with its taste and appetizing appearance. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough ingredients: 250g flour, 120g butter, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons cold milk, 1 teaspoon salt. Filling ingredients: 220g rice, 200g spinach, 2 green onions with tops, 200g mozzarella, 4 eggs, 4 tablespoons sour cream, 1/2 bunch of parsley, salt, pepper.

 Tags:  rice pie spinach pie