Meat pie with minced meat, mushrooms, and cheese

Minced meat, mushrooms, and cheese tart: a recipe that combines flavor with perfect texture, resulting in a dish that can be served both hot and cold. This tart is ideal for family meals, special occasions, or simply to satisfy the craving for something delicious. It is a versatile recipe, perfect for beginners and beyond, and has a rich history, rooted in a culinary tradition that uses simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 130 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 250-300 g flour (the amount may vary depending on the size of the egg and the quality of the flour)
- 1 teaspoon ammonia
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

*For the filling:*
- 1 onion (diced)
- 100 g bacon (diced)
- 200 g minced meat (preferably pork or beef)
- 1 can of mushrooms (about 400 g, drained)
- 2 eggs
- 150 g grated cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the soft butter, egg, salt, and 250 g of flour. Mix gently with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients combine. In the flour, create a small well where you will add the ammonia. Quench the ammonia with lemon juice; it will start to bubble, which is perfect! This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.

2. Kneading the dough:
Start kneading the ingredients gently, adding more flour if necessary, until you get a homogeneous and uniform dough ball. The dough should not be sticky. Once finished, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes. This step will help solidify the butter and make the dough easier to work with.

3. Preparing the filling:
While the dough cools, prepare the filling. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bacon and sauté lightly until golden. Add the minced meat and drained mushrooms, mixing well to combine the ingredients. Cook until the meat is fully cooked and the juices have evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let the mixture cool.

4. Assembling the tart:
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a round sheet. Place the dough in the tart pan, covering the edges as well. Use your fingers to press the dough against the sides of the pan. It is important to understand that if you do not have a special tart pan, you can use any round dish, which you need to grease with butter and dust with flour.

5. Final preparation:
Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Pour the meat filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Beat the two eggs until frothy and cover the tart with them. Poke the mixture in several places to allow the egg to penetrate better.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the tart for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden and firm to the touch. The aroma that will fill the kitchen is simply irresistible!

7. Serving:
The minced meat, mushrooms, and cheese tart can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for festive meals or picnics. You can accompany it with a fresh green salad or yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast. This recipe is also wonderful cut into cubes, served as an appetizer at a party.

Useful tips:
- If you want an even more tender dough, try using high-quality butter. The flavors will intensify when cooked.
- For a healthier version, replace the bacon with chicken or turkey meat and use fresh mushrooms instead of canned ones.
- Vary the filling by adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or even fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What can I use instead of ammonia?
You can use baking powder, but the result will be different in terms of texture.
2. Can I make the tart a day in advance?
Absolutely! The tart keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the oven before serving.
3. How can I enrich the filling?
Add olives, bell peppers, or even a splash of white wine to enhance the flavors.

This minced meat, mushrooms, and cheese tart is more than just a recipe - it is a way to bring family and friends together at the table, to savor the simple moments of life. By cooking this recipe, you will create not only a delicious dish but also unforgettable memories. So embrace your passion for cooking and start your culinary adventure with this wonderful tart!