Appetizer tart with smoked salmon and feta cheese

Smoked Salmon and Feta Cheese Tart – A Delicious Journey into the World of Sophisticated Appetizers

Who doesn't love a beautifully arranged tart, filled with fresh ingredients that impress at any table? The smoked salmon and feta cheese tart is an appetizer that combines textures and flavors, creating a perfect taste. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also very versatile, as it can be served both warm and cold. Perfect for parties, gatherings with friends, or an elegant family dinner. Let's discover together the necessary steps to achieve this delicacy!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients for the dough:
- 600 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 200 g butter (melted)
- 200 ml milk
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- juice from half a lemon
- a pinch of salt

Ingredients for the filling:
- 300 g smoked salmon
- 100 g tuna in its own juice
- 200 g feta cheese
- 100 g telemea cheese
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- optional: 1 egg (for binding the mixture)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a small saucepan, heat the milk together with the butter until the butter completely melts. It is important not to bring the mixture to a boil, just to warm it gently.

2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs well with a pinch of salt. Add the lemon juice and mix well. This acidity will help improve the texture of the dough.

3. Combining the ingredients: Pour the warm milk into the bowl with the eggs and mix well. Then, add the flour mixed with dry yeast, pouring it in a cascade over the mixture. Knead well until you obtain a slightly sticky dough. It is normal for the dough to be a bit softer, but don't worry, it will chill and firm up.

4. Chilling the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it chill for one hour. This step is essential as it helps develop flavors and achieve a finer texture.

5. Preparing the filling: In the meantime, prepare the filling. Cut the salmon into thick strips and chop the parsley roughly. Drain the tuna from its juice, then crumble the feta and telemea cheese by hand. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients: salmon, tuna, feta cheese, telemea, and parsley. If you want a more cohesive mixture, add a beaten egg.

6. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius (medium).

7. Forming the tart: On the work surface, sprinkle flour and divide the dough into 3 parts. Roll each part into a not-too-thin sheet. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness. Place the dough in a tart pan, making sure to cover the edges.

8. Adding the filling: Pour the filling mixture into the crust, distributing it evenly.

9. Baking: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the tart turns golden and slightly browned.

10. Cooling and serving: Let the tart cool slightly before cutting it. The taste will be spectacular, and the perfect texture will make each bite a true pleasure!

Personal notes and serving suggestions: This tart pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a side of grilled vegetables. You can also serve it with a yogurt sauce with mint for an extra freshness. If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the salmon with roasted vegetables or mushrooms.

Possible variations: Experiment with different types of cheese or add black olives for an even more intense flavor. You can also use fresh salmon, steamed, instead of smoked salmon for a lighter tart.

Nutritional benefits: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health, while feta and telemea cheese provide calcium and protein. This tart is not only delicious but also nutritious!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of fish? Yes, you can replace the salmon with white fish, such as cod or sea bream, for a different option.
- What type of flour is recommended? White flour is the most common, but you can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a richer and healthier taste.
- Can I prepare the tart in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead and keep them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the tart on the day of serving for the best results.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your apron and enjoy this refined appetizer. Enjoy your meal!