Fish pie

Savory Fish and Cheese Tart: A Delicious Recipe with a Story

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

Who doesn’t love a savory tart that combines the rich taste of fish with the creamy texture of cheese? This fish and cheese tart recipe is inspired by a funny and cheerful story that will make you smile while cooking. Plus, it's a simple and quick recipe, perfect for those moments when you want to impress guests or simply treat your family. Let’s get started!

Recipe History

The origins of this tart are wrapped in memories of family cooking, where simple ingredients transform into delicious dishes. This recipe has been adapted over time, with each cook adding their personal touch. From homemade cheese to canned fish, each ingredient has its own story. In a hectic world, this tart will bring a touch of nostalgia and comfort.

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 300 g flour
- 100 g soft margarine
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 2 cans of fish (tuna and mackerel)
- 200 g sour cream
- 4 eggs (3 whole eggs + 1 egg white left from the crust)
- 4-5 pickled cucumbers, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs of tarragon (or nutmeg, if you have it)
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: a few olives and green onions for garnish

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Crust:
In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt and baking powder. Add the soft margarine and gently rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and sour cream, then knead until you have a soft and elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

2. Shaping the Crust:
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet large enough to cover the base and sides of the tart pan (about 26 cm in diameter). Transfer the dough to the tart pan and trim any excess from the edges. Prick the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

3. Preparing the Filling:
Drain the canned fish well, then flake it with a fork. In a bowl, beat the 3 whole eggs with the sour cream, adding salt, pepper, and your favorite spices (the crushed bay leaf and chopped tarragon). Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

4. Assembling the Tart:
Evenly distribute the flaked fish over the tart base. Place the cucumber slices on top and pour the egg and sour cream mixture over everything. Garnish with olives and green onions if desired.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the tart for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is well cooked. Check with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the tart is ready.

6. Serving:
Let the tart cool slightly before slicing. It can be served warm or at room temperature, as an appetizer or main dish alongside a fresh salad. A great choice for a festive meal or a relaxed family dinner.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients: If you want to add more flavor, try using smoked fish or sardines instead of tuna. They will give a distinctive taste!
- Cheese: Using homemade cheese or Parmesan cheese brings a stronger flavor. If you have goat cheese, it will add a distinct and delicious note.
- Spices: Experiment with other spices like cumin or basil to vary the flavors.
- Variations: You can transform this recipe into a vegetarian one by replacing the fish with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This fish and cheese tart has approximately 250 calories per serving, making it a reasonable choice for a hearty meal without being overly heavy. Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Cheese adds calcium, and pickled vegetables provide vitamins and minerals, making this tart a balanced dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! You can use any type of fish you prefer or even fish mixes. Tuna and mackerel are the most popular, but salmon or trout are also excellent options.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

3. Is this tart suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! You can adapt the recipe by omitting the fish and adding roasted vegetables or mushrooms to create a delicious vegetarian version.

4. What drinks pair well with this tart?
A cold lemonade or a dry white wine pairs perfectly with this tart. Additionally, a pale ale could be an excellent choice for a relaxed dinner.

Personal Note

This fish and cheese tart recipe was quite a challenge, but the result was worth every moment of effort. It’s a dish that brings joy and flavor to every meal, and the story behind it makes it even more special. I encourage you to try it and add your own twist! If you enjoy it, feel free to share the recipe with friends.

Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of this delicious tart!