Spinach and minced meat pie.

Spinach and Minced Meat Tart

The spinach and minced meat tart is a savory dish, perfect for family lunches or more elegant dinners. This recipe combines the rich flavor of meat with the fresh aromas of vegetables, resulting in a delicious and nutritious tart. Whether served warm or cold, it will surely be a hit on your table.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 300 g fresh spinach
- 300 g pork (preferably shoulder)
- 2 dried onions
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 4-5 green onions
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- 3-4 eggs (depending on their size)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing the tart)
- Flour (for dusting the pan)
- Oil (for frying)
- Butter (for greasing the pan)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

A Bit of History:
The tart is a versatile dish with roots in traditional cuisines around the world. Over time, it has evolved from a simple pie to a sophisticated dish with various fillings. In many cultures, the tart is associated with festive meals, being a symbol of hospitality and culinary art. This spinach and minced meat tart recipe is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Preparation Steps:

1. Preparing the Spinach:
- Start by cleaning the spinach. Wash it well under cold water to remove any impurities. Cut it into larger pieces.
- Place the spinach in a pot of water, add salt, and let it boil for 5-7 minutes or until softened. Remove and let it drain in a colander.

2. Preparing the Meat:
- In a large skillet, melt a bit of butter over medium heat. Add the cleaned and finely chopped onions, sautéing until golden (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the garlic cloves, sliced, and sauté them with the onion to release their aromas.

3. Grinding the Meat:
- Prepare the pork. Cut it into cubes and pass it through a meat grinder. You can also combine it with parsley and green onions to intensify the flavors.
- Add the meat mixture to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated and the meat is well cooked (about 10-15 minutes).

4. Mixing the Ingredients:
- Once the spinach has cooled, chop it finely with a wooden knife (or you can use a food processor, but my preference is manual chopping to maintain texture).
- In a large bowl, combine the meat mixture with the spinach and beaten eggs. Make sure the ingredients are well integrated and the mixture is homogeneous. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

5. Assembling the Tart:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Grease a tart pan with butter and dust it with flour, ensuring it is evenly covered.
- Pour the spinach and meat mixture into the pan, leveling it well.
- Brush the top with an egg yolk to achieve a nicely browned crust.

6. Baking:
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is well cooked. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.

7. Serving:
- Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a platter and cut it into slices.
- You can serve the tart warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast.

Practical Tips:
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This tart contains approximately 350 calories per serving, being a good source of protein, vitamins (especially vitamin A from spinach), and minerals. It is a balanced dish, providing energy and essential nutrients.
- Variations: You can replace pork with chicken or turkey for a leaner option. Additionally, you can add feta cheese or parmesan to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
- How can I make the tart lower in calories? You can use lean turkey meat and replace butter with olive oil.

Pairings and Serving:
The spinach and minced meat tart pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade. You can also accompany the dish with a green salad with yogurt and lemon dressing, which will add a refreshing contrast and brighten up the meal.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and bring a touch of flavor to your kitchen! Cooking is an art, and this spinach and minced meat tart is the perfect opportunity to showcase your culinary skills. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 300 g spinach, 300 g pork (I used pork shoulder), 2 dried onions, 2-3 cloves of garlic, 4-5 green onions, a bunch of parsley, 3-4 eggs, one yolk, flour, oil, butter, salt, pepper

 Tags:  pie spinach ground meat