Chicken and Mushroom Tart

Chicken and mushroom tart is a savory and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of fresh ingredients in a delicate crust. This recipe is not just a simple meal but a culinary experience that combines the tradition of home cooking with the pleasure of enjoying a warm tart, perfect for any occasion. The tart can be served for both lunch and dinner and is ideal to be enjoyed alongside a refreshing green salad or a glass of white wine.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

For the crust:
- 250 g flour (choose type 000 for a finer dough)
- 125 g cold butter (preferably unsalted, cut into cubes)
- 1 egg yolk (I recommend using free-range eggs for a more intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (choose a fatty sour cream for a creamier texture)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 300 g chicken breast (cut into thin strips)
- 300 g mushrooms (you can use champignon or forest mushrooms for a more intense flavor)
- 200 g cheese (grated, preferably aged cheese)
- 200 ml sour cream (the same sour cream as for the crust)
- 3 eggs + 1 egg white (use fresh eggs for the best results)
- 1/2 red and green bell pepper (cut into cubes)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (use quality extra virgin oil)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by mixing the flour with the salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter cut into cubes and, using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until you achieve a texture similar to sand. It is important not to overmix, as you want to keep air in the dough. Add the egg yolk and sour cream, mixing gently with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Form a ball, wrap the dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential for obtaining a flaky crust.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
While the dough cools, chop the onion into slices and sauté it in olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, then add the sliced chicken breast. Cook until the chicken turns white, then add the mushrooms and diced bell pepper. Continue to cook on low heat until the liquid released by the mushrooms evaporates completely. Once the filling has cooled, season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Assembling the tart
Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan). Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you obtain a sheet about 3 mm thick. Place the dough in a round tart pan lined with parchment paper. Use a fork to prick the dough all over, which will help prevent air bubbles from forming during baking. Bake the dough in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it becomes lightly golden.

Step 4: Filling the tart
Once the crust has cooled slightly, evenly spread the chicken and mushroom mixture over its surface. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sour cream and add salt and pepper to taste. Pour the egg mixture over the filling, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Grate cheese on top for a delicious and creamy layer.

Step 5: Final baking
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the tart is golden and the filling is well set. Allow the tart to cool slightly before cutting it, to allow the filling to set.

Serving:
The chicken and mushroom tart is delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve it alongside a fresh arugula salad or a tomato and cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. An excellent choice would also be a glass of dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the tart's flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This tart offers an excellent combination of protein from the chicken breast, fiber from the vegetables, and calcium from the cheese and sour cream. It is a balanced meal that can be included in your diet without worries, with a moderate caloric intake, having approximately 450-500 calories per serving, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Possible variations:
To add a touch of originality, you can add fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to the filling. You can also experiment with other types of vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, depending on your preferences. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken breast with marinated tofu or tempeh.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of cheese?
Yes, you can use mozzarella or feta for a different taste.

2. How can I store the tart?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered to prevent drying out.

3. Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, the tart can be frozen. Make sure to wrap it well before placing it in the freezer. When defrosting, you can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

The chicken and mushroom tart is a versatile and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for impressing family and friends at a special dinner or simply for treating yourself on a quiet evening at home. Don't hesitate to add your own touches and enjoy the cooking process!