Four Cheese Tart

Four Cheese Tart: a refined delicacy, perfect for any occasion

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

What makes this four cheese tart so special is the savory combination of cheeses that complement each other perfectly, providing a rich flavor and creamy texture. It is a versatile recipe, ideal for a family meal, a dinner with friends, or a delicious snack at a party. Moreover, it can be enjoyed both warm and cold, making it even more practical.

Over time, cheese tart has been a popular choice in many culinary cultures, modified and adapted to local preferences. And now, with our simple and quick recipe, you can easily recreate this dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 300 g wheat flour
- 100 g corn flour
- 100 g cold butter, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cold water (approximately 100 ml, or as needed)

*For the filling:*
- 200 g mascarpone
- 100 g wax cheese (or alternatively, 100 g low-fat cheese)
- 100 g grated parmesan
- 100 g cottage cheese
- 4 eggs
- 100 g sour cream
- 150 g ham, diced
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Salt, pepper (to taste)
- Nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
- Butter for greasing
- 1 tablespoon flour, for dusting the pan

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the wheat flour and corn flour. It is essential to use quality corn flour to achieve a crispy texture. Add the cold, diced butter and salt. Use your fingers to quickly knead the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling wet sand.

*Practical tips:* Make sure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky dough. You can keep the ingredients in the fridge before mixing them.

2. Adding the water:
Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes non-sticky and elastic. It is important not to add too much water, as the dough should be easy to roll out but not too soft. Once you have achieved the desired consistency, form a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preparing the filling:
In a separate bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Mix all types of cheese (mascarpone, wax cheese, parmesan, and cottage cheese), add the yolks, salt, pepper, nutmeg (if using), and chopped dill. Finally, incorporate the sour cream, mixing well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

*Practical tips:* If you want to add extra flavor, you can try adding some herbs, such as oregano or basil.

4. Beating the egg whites:
Beat the egg whites until you achieve a firm foam. Then, gently fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture using a spatula to maintain the air in the egg whites. Finally, add a tablespoon of flour to help bind the filling.

5. Assembling the tart:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the dough from the fridge and grease a baking pan with butter. Roll out about 2/3 of the dough on a floured surface and place it in the pan, ensuring that you cover the bottom and edges well. Then, evenly distribute the diced ham over the dough.

6. Adding the filling:
Pour the cheese mixture over the ham, leveling it with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the filling begins to set.

7. Creating the lattice:
After the first baking stage, remove the pan from the oven and use the remaining dough to create a lattice on top. You can roll it out and cut it into strips to form an attractive pattern. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking until the tart is golden and crispy, about 20 minutes.

8. Serving:
Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting it. It is delicious both warm and cold. We recommend serving it alongside fresh yogurt, which will add a creamy and refreshing contrast.

Nutritional benefits:
This four cheese tart is rich in protein due to the cheeses and eggs, also providing a considerable amount of calcium. Dill adds not only a pleasant taste but also antioxidants, while the ham brings an extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Of course! You can experiment with various cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, to achieve different flavors.

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

3. Can the tart be frozen?
Although the tart can be frozen, it is recommended to consume it fresh to preserve its texture and flavor.

Possible variations:
- Add vegetables, such as sautéed spinach or mushrooms, to make the tart more nutritious.
- Replace the ham with crispy bacon for a heartier version.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as basil or tarragon, to diversify the flavors.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all you have to do is put your cooking skills into practice and enjoy this four cheese tart. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or as a personal treat, it will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces! Enjoy your meal!