Mediterranean mini tarts

Delicious Mediterranean Mini Tarts with Fish and Cheese Recipe

If you're looking for a quick and tasty recipe, Mediterranean mini tarts are the perfect choice! These little delights are ideal for a snack, an appetizer at a party, or even as a light lunch. You'll love them for their combination of flavors and versatility, and I'll show you how to prepare them step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 mini tarts

The history of Mediterranean mini tarts is fascinating. Inspired by the culinary traditions around the Mediterranean Sea, these small tarts are an explosion of flavors and textures. Over time, they have been filled with various ingredients, from fine cheeses to fresh fish, offering a unique tasting experience.

Ingredients needed:

- 275g puff pastry sheets (preferably store-bought, an excellent option being those from LIDL)
- For the fish filling:
- 160g sprat in tomato sauce (canned)
- 60g green olives stuffed with anchovies (canned)
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the cheese filling:
- 150g grated sheep's milk cheese
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- 50g black olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk, to give a golden and shiny color to the tarts

Step by step:

1. Preparing the puff pastry: Unroll the pastry sheets and cut them into 4 equal pieces. Make sure the sheets are at room temperature for easy handling. I recommend using quality puff pastry, as it will provide a crispy and delicious texture.

2. Preparing the baking tray: Place each piece of pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. It's essential to use parchment paper to prevent sticking, so your mini tarts will come off easily after baking.

3. Creating the edge: Using a knife, lightly score a line around the edge of each rectangle, about 5 mm from the edge, without cutting completely through the pastry. This will help form a "wall" to hold the filling.

4. Fish filling: For the fish mini tarts, spread two of the rectangles with the sauce from the sprat can. Add the thinly sliced tomato, then place the fish fillets and the green olives stuffed with anchovies. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, being careful not to overdo it with the salt, as the fish and olives are already salty.

5. Cheese filling: On the other two rectangles, spread a layer of tomato paste, then place the tomato slices! The next step is to add the grated sheep's milk cheese and the black olives. Just like with the fish filling, sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

6. Brushing the edges: Using a kitchen brush, brush the edges of the mini tarts with egg yolk. This will give them a golden hue and an appetizing appearance.

7. Baking: Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C and let them bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry turns golden and crispy. During this time, the delicious aroma will fill the house!

8. Serving: Once the mini tarts are ready, let them cool for a few minutes in the tray before transferring them to a serving platter. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Personal suggestion: These mini tarts pair excellently with a fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and a simple vinaigrette, which will perfectly complement the intense flavors of the fillings.

Helpful tips:
- If using fresh fish fillets, make sure to clean and cook them well before adding them to the tart.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, to give the recipe a twist.
- Substitute olives with other favorite ingredients, such as roasted peppers or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
These Mediterranean mini tarts offer a delicious combination of protein from fish or cheese, fiber from vegetables, and healthy carbohydrates from the pastry. Each tart contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the filling and the proportions of the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, make sure to fully thaw it before use.

2. Can I prepare the mini tarts in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator, then bake them before serving.

3. What are the best drinks to pair with these mini tarts?
A dry white wine or a glass of mineral water with lemon will perfectly complement the meal.

I hope you enjoy this Mediterranean mini tarts recipe and bring a touch of flavor to your kitchen! Bon appétit!