Savory cornmeal tart with corn chips

Savory Cornmeal Tart with Corn Chips

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Welcome to the fascinating culinary world! Today, I invite you to prepare a delicious savory tart made with cornmeal and corn chips. This recipe is not just a combination of ingredients, but an explosion of flavors and textures, perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. The crispy cornmeal crust harmoniously blends with the creamy filling, while the topping of chips and cheese adds a touch of sophistication.

The history of this tart goes back in time, but it is known that tarts are a classic dish, appreciated in many cultures and often filled with local and seasonal ingredients. This cornmeal version brings an interesting twist, highlighting the rustic and healthy flavors of natural ingredients.

Ingredients

*For the crust:*
- 175 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g cornmeal
- 100 g butter (or margarine)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of herbes de Provence

*For the filling:*
- 1 small red onion
- 2 carrots
- 3 thicker slices of pumpkin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of herbes de Provence
- 3-4 slices of ham
- 1 tablespoon of sour cream

*For decoration:*
- Corn chips
- Sautéed carrot rounds and pumpkin cubes
- Cubes of aged sheep cheese

Preparation

1. Preparing the crust:
Start by preparing the crust. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the cornmeal. Add the cold butter, cut into cubes, and rub it with your fingers until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. This step is essential for getting a crispy and delicious crust.

2. Adding the egg:
Add the egg and the herbes de Provence. Continue to knead until the dough becomes homogeneous. If it is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the crust from deforming during baking.

3. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the onion. Peel the carrots and pumpkin, reserving a few carrot rounds and pumpkin cubes for decoration. Cut the ham into small cubes.

4. Sauté the ham:
In a skillet, heat a little olive oil and sauté the ham until it turns golden. Remove it to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, add the pumpkin cubes and carrot rounds and sauté them in the remaining oil.

5. Sauté the vegetables:
In the remaining oil, add the finely chopped onion, grated carrot, and the remaining pumpkin. Sauté everything over high heat, then add a little water to steam the vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and herbes de Provence. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

6. Prepare the puree:
Place the vegetable mixture in a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth puree. This step will add a creamy texture to your filling.

7. Assemble the tart:
In a bowl, beat the egg with the sour cream. Add the vegetable puree and mix well. Pour the filling over the prepared crust, and on top, sprinkle the sautéed ham, pumpkin cubes, and carrot rounds.

8. Bake the tart:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Gently shake the pan to eliminate air bubbles and bake the tart for 15-20 minutes until it becomes golden.

9. Decoration:
After the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and decorate the entire edge with corn chips. Let it bake for another 5 minutes so that the chips become crispy.

10. Serving:
Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly. Decorate with cubes of aged sheep cheese and serve warm or at room temperature. The aroma will be sensational!

Practical tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and quality ham for an intense flavor.
- Vary the filling: You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to customize the recipe.
- Care for the crust: If you're short on time, you can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the freezer. It will be just as good the next day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour will add a richer flavor, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.

2. What can I use instead of ham?
You can opt for bacon or even vegetarian options like sautéed tofu or mushrooms.

3. How can I store the tart?
The tart keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispiness.

This savory cornmeal tart with corn chips is a true delight, perfect for both lunch and dinner. You can pair it with a fresh green salad and a glass of white wine for a truly memorable meal. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: tart base: 175 g white flour, 100 g corn flour (coarse cornmeal), 100 g butter (margarine), 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of herbes de Provence mix. Filling: 1 small red onion, olive oil, 2 carrots, 3 thicker slices of pumpkin pie, salt, pepper, a heaping teaspoon of herbes de Provence, 3-4 slices of ham, 1 tablespoon of sour cream. Decoration: corn chips, a few carrot rounds and cubed roasted pumpkin, a few cubes of aged sheep cheese.