3 Star Tart

Three-Star Tart – An Explosion of Flavors and Crunchy Textures

Who can resist a dish that perfectly combines a flaky crust with a rich filling of meat, vegetables, and cheese? The Three-Star Tart is a perfect example of a delicious recipe that can be served as an appetizer or main course, but also as a snack at a party. This tart is not only a savory choice but also a way to bring vibrant colors and enticing aromas to the table. In this guide, I will share everything you need to know to achieve a perfect result, step by step.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

For the flaky crust:
- 350 g all-purpose flour, sifted at room temperature
- 200 g cold butter, grated
- 1 egg yolk
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 300 g ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 10 black olives, sliced
- 150 g grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for decoration (optional)

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour with salt and the grated cold butter. Mix with your fingertips until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. Add the egg yolk and gently knead until the dough is smooth. Avoid over-kneading to prevent developing gluten, which would make the dough less flaky.

2. Chilling the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out.

3. Preparing the filling: In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the finely chopped onion along with the crushed garlic. Let them become translucent and fragrant. Add the ground pork over the onion and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is well done and changes color.

4. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is ready, add the diced bell peppers and sliced olives. Mix everything well and let it cook for a few minutes for the flavors to blend.

5. Preparing the tarts: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until you achieve a thin sheet. Place the sheet into a fluted tart pan, trimming any excess dough from the edges. Now, add the meat and vegetable mixture to the bottom of the tarts, making sure to distribute it evenly.

6. Finalizing the filling: Sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the mixture, providing a delicious layer of melted cheese. From the remaining dough, cut out three stars (or any shape you prefer) and place them on top of the tart, sprinkling sesame seeds on them for a crunchy and attractive look.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tart in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy. The aroma that will spread throughout the house is simply irresistible!

8. Serving: Allow the tart to cool slightly before cutting it into servings. It can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce reduction with dill and lemon, which will add a note of freshness and balance the richness of the filling.

Useful Tips and Variations

- Ingredient care: Make sure all ingredients are fresh. Use quality ground meat for better flavor. You can also experiment with other types of meat, such as chicken or beef, depending on your preferences.

- Vegetable variations: You can add other vegetables to the filling mix, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to give it a more complex flavor. Also, depending on the season, you can substitute the bell peppers with asparagus or broccoli.

- Other cheese combinations: If you don't have cheese, you can use mozzarella, feta, or cheddar to create different flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

This tart is a good source of protein due to the ground meat and cheese, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. The flour used for the dough offers carbohydrates, essential for energy. However, considering the ingredients, it’s best to consume the tart in moderation, especially if you are following a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, the tart can be frozen before baking. Once you have assembled it, you can wrap it well and keep it in the freezer. When you want to bake it, let it thaw in the refrigerator and bake according to the instructions.

- How can I make the dough healthier?
You can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber intake. You can also experiment with vegetable oils instead of butter, although the texture will be different.

Add this splendid Three-Star Tart recipe to your culinary repertoire and enjoy unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Cooking is an art form, and with each baked tart, you will add a new star to your cooking skills!