Cheese and zucchini tart

Zucchini and Cheese Tart – a delicious, hearty recipe perfect for the summer season! This tart combines the sweetness of zucchini with the creaminess of cheese, creating a dish that can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it ideal for a family meal or a gathering with friends. Get ready to impress your guests with this simple yet sophisticated recipe!

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

Necessary ingredients:

For the crust:
- 250 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 100 g cold butter, diced
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:
- 280 g crumbled cheese (cottage cheese or feta work well)
- 200 g full-fat yogurt
- 1 egg
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 zucchini (use young zucchini with a fine texture)
- ½ bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for added color)
- a few fresh parsley leaves
- pitted black olives, sliced
- cherry tomatoes, halved

Recipe story:
The zucchini and cheese tart is a recipe that blends cooking tradition with seasonal ingredients, reflecting a healthy and balanced lifestyle. It can be considered a delicious vegetarian option, perfect for serving as an appetizer or a main dish. Zucchini, a versatile and filling ingredient, not only adds a pleasant flavor but also a soft and moist texture that complements the cheese perfectly.

Preparing the crust:
1. Start by preparing the crust dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. This step is important as the salt will add flavor to the dough.
2. Add the cold, diced butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Add the beaten egg and mix gently. Incorporate cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to come together.
4. Start kneading the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and homogeneous. Avoid over-kneading, as the dough will become tough.
5. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step will help the dough chill and make it easier to roll out.

Preparing the filling:
1. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Peel the zucchini and grate it using a large grater. Sprinkle salt over it and let it sit for 15 minutes. This will help remove excess moisture.
2. After 15 minutes, squeeze the zucchini in your hands to remove the water, then place it in a large bowl.
3. In the same bowl, add the crumbled cheese, yogurt, and beaten egg. Mix the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.
4. Dice the bell pepper into small cubes and add it to the bowl, along with the sliced olives and finely chopped parsley. Mix again until well combined. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper as desired.

Assembling the tart:
1. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to create a disc slightly larger than the tart pan.
2. Place the dough in the tart pan, covering the sides as well. This will ensure that the filling does not leak underneath the crust.
3. Use a fork to prick the dough in several places. This step is essential to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the crust for about 15 minutes, until it turns lightly golden.

Finishing and baking the tart:
1. Remove the tart pan from the oven and carefully pour in the zucchini and cheese filling. Level the surface with a spatula for a uniform appearance.
2. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the filling for an attractive look and a touch of freshness.
3. Return the tart to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is golden and set.

Serving:
This zucchini and cheese tart can be served warm or cold and pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with dill. You can also add some toasted nuts for extra texture.

Practical tips:
- If you want to experiment, add other seasonal vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- You can use goat cheese for a stronger flavor.
- The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and its flavor improves the next day!

Nutritional benefits:
This tart is rich in protein thanks to the cheese and yogurt, while zucchini provides essential fiber and vitamins. It’s an excellent choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can this tart be frozen?
Yes, the tart can be frozen before baking. Make sure to cover it well. Bake directly from the freezer, but it will require a longer baking time.
2. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Experiment with cheddar or sheep cheese for different flavors.
3. Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, this tart is perfect for vegetarians and can be adapted to individual preferences.

This zucchini and cheese tart is a quick and delicious recipe, ideal for any occasion. Take advantage of seasonal ingredients and turn it into a special dish! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 250 g flour 1 tsp salt 1 egg 100 g butter 2-3 tbsp cold water For the filling: 280 g crumbled cheese 200 g full-fat yogurt 1 egg salt, pepper to taste 1 zucchini 1/2 bell pepper fresh parsley leaves pitted black olives cherry tomatoes

 Tags:  cheese and zucchini tart