Mini meat and mushroom tarts
Mini tarts with meat and mushrooms – A delicacy that's easy to prepare, perfect for impressing guests at a dinner or for a savory appetizer at a party. These mini tarts combine a flaky dough with a rich filling of meat and mushrooms, resulting in an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 egg yolks
- 200 g butter (ideally at room temperature for better incorporation)
- Approximately 400 g of flour (type 000 flour is ideal for a fine dough)
- A pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 8 large fresh champignon mushrooms (choose firm and fresh mushrooms for better taste)
- 300 g minced beef (young beef is leaner and juicier)
- 1 large onion (red onion can add a hint of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 150 g cheese (use mature cheese for an intense flavor)
Detailed Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the 3 egg yolks with the soft butter and a pinch of salt. Use a mixer or spatula to mix well until the mixture becomes creamy. Then, gradually add the flour, mixing constantly until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous dough. It is important not to knead the dough too much to avoid developing gluten, which could make the dough tougher.
Once you have obtained the dough, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial because cooling the dough will make it easier to roll out and will improve the final texture of the crust.
2. Preparing the Filling:
While the dough cools, you can prepare the filling. Clean the mushrooms and chop them into small cubes. Heat a pan with a splash of olive oil and add the mushrooms. Add a pinch of salt to help the mushrooms release their juices. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until they become slightly browned and have reduced in volume. It is important not to cook them too long to avoid a watery filling.
In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and minced meat. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the meat is well done and the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the sautéed mushrooms and mix well to combine the flavors. Let the filling cool slightly.
3. Assembling the Mini Tarts:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a thin sheet. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut circles from the dough that fit into the mini tart molds. Make sure the edges of the mold are well covered with dough.
Fill each mold with the meat and mushroom mixture, leaving a little space in the middle. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the filling. This step will add a delicious note of melted cheese.
4. Baking:
Place the mini tarts in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the dough becomes golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and starts to brown.
5. Serving:
Remove the mini tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly before taking them out of the molds. These delicious mini tarts can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect as appetizers or snacks.
Practical Tips
- Variations of the filling: You can add other ingredients, such as olives or chopped bell peppers, to diversify the flavors. You can also use chicken or pork instead of beef.
- The dough: If you want an even more flavorful dough, you can add some dried herbs to the dough mixture, such as oregano or thyme.
- Serving: These mini tarts pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a yogurt and dill sauce, which adds a note of freshness.
Nutritional Information
Each mini tart contains approximately 180 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They are rich in protein due to the meat, and the mushrooms provide an important source of fiber and vitamins. The cheese adds calcium, essential for bone health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of mushrooms? Of course! You can experiment with shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a different flavor.
2. How long can I keep the mini tarts? These mini tarts can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them to bring them back to life.
3. How can I make the dough even faster? If you're in a hurry, you can use store-bought shortcrust pastry, but the taste will be different!
These mini tarts with meat and mushrooms are not only delicious but also easy to customize, giving you the freedom to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Try them at your next party or simply for a tasty weekend dinner!
Ingredients: For the dough: 3 egg yolks, 200 g butter, flour as needed (approximately 400 g). For the filling: 8 large fresh champignon mushrooms, 300 g minced beef, 1 onion, salt, pepper, 150 g cheese.
