Cheese and Mushroom Tart

Cheese and Mushroom Tart – A Love at First Bite

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Who can resist a cheese and mushroom tart that emanates inviting aromas? This recipe is not only simple but also extremely versatile, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests at a party. With a combination of creamy cheese, flavorful mushrooms, and a perfect crust, every bite will be a culinary revelation!

A Brief Story About Tart

The tart is a dish that has traversed centuries and cultures, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Its origins can be found in various forms of filled dough, used throughout history to preserve ingredients or create delicious dishes. The cheese and mushroom tart is a modern variant that blends rich flavors with varied textures, quickly becoming a favorite in many households.

Ingredients

*For the crust:*
- 200 g flour (choose a good quality flour for a perfect crust)
- 150 g cold but soft butter (ideally grated for even incorporation)
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (for an extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (this ingredient will add moisture to the dough)
- 1 teaspoon salt

*Mushroom filling:*
- 6 very large champignon mushrooms (or the equivalent of 20 small mushrooms)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (palm oil or olive oil are excellent options)
- 1 bunch of dill (freshly chopped for vibrant flavor)
- 1 bunch of green onions (finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

*Cheese filling:*
- 200 g cottage cheese (creamy and slightly tangy)
- 275 g feta cheese (for a salty and intense flavor)
- 3 eggs (at room temperature for easier incorporation)
- 250 g sour cream (provides a velvety texture)
- 1 bunch of parsley (finely chopped)
- Slices of cheese or grated cheese/parmesan (to preference, for a delicious topping)

Steps for a Perfect Result

1. Preparing the crust:
In a large bowl, combine flour with salt and cumin. Add the grated butter and mix with your fingers until you obtain a sandy mixture. Incorporate the egg and sour cream, mixing until the dough starts to form. Do not knead too much to keep the crust tender. Form a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the butter to firm up and create a perfect dough.

2. Preparing the mushroom filling:
Wash and chop the mushrooms, green onions, and dill. In a pan, heat the oil and add the onions. Sauté lightly, covering the pan with a lid to trap the flavors. Add the mushrooms and dill, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the water from the mushrooms has completely evaporated. This step is crucial to prevent the tart from becoming too wet. Allow the mixture to cool.

3. Preparing the cheese filling:
In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, feta, eggs, sour cream, and parsley. Ensure that the ingredients are well incorporated, obtaining a homogeneous mixture that will add creaminess to the tart.

4. Assembling the tart:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a sheet of parchment paper, using a cling film to prevent sticking. Place the dough in a greased tart pan, making sure to cover the edges. Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming. Pour the cheese mixture, leveling it evenly. Then, add the cooled mushrooms, ensuring they are not overly wet.

5. Baking the tart:
Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, add the slices of cheese or grated cheese on top and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Wait a few minutes before cutting the tart to allow the filling to set.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This cheese and mushroom tart can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for a picnic or a party. You can accompany it with a fresh green salad drizzled with a lemon and olive oil dressing, or with a glass of dry white wine that will perfectly complement the flavors.

For a vegetarian variant, you can add vegetables such as spinach or zucchini, and for a stronger flavor, add herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or ricotta, for a different taste.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart can be stored in the fridge, covered, for 2-3 days. It is delicious even when reheated.

3. What drink pairs best with this tart?
A dry white wine or natural tomato juice are excellent choices to complement the tart's flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

This tart contains nutrient-rich ingredients, being a good source of protein due to the cheeses and eggs, while the mushrooms provide fiber and antioxidants. Dill and parsley offer essential vitamins, and cumin adds extra flavor, also having digestive benefits.

Calories

One serving of tart (approximately 1/8 of the tart) contains about 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a balanced choice for a main meal.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your chef's gloves and start your culinary adventure! I assure you that every bite will be a memorable experience. Enjoy your meal!