Mini tarts with cheese and tuna

Mini tarts with cheese and tuna - A warm and comforting delicacy for any occasion

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

Recipe Introduction

Who doesn't love a delicious tart, full of flavors and textures? These mini tarts with cheese and tuna are perfect for any meal, from a brunch with friends to a quick family dinner. Whether you enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, or cold, as a delightful snack the next day, these mini tarts are easy to prepare and full of flavor.

A bit of history

Mini tarts have a rich history, evolving over time in different cultures, often adapted with local ingredients. Generally, they are used as a way to utilize food leftovers, transforming them into culinary delights. In our combination, the tuna perfectly blends with the cheese and vegetables, creating an explosion of flavors.

Ingredients

- 400 g shortcrust pastry (puff pastry)
- 2 green onions
- 1 can of tuna in oil (about 200 g)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 150 g cheese (preferably feta or cottage cheese)
- 2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of herbs (oregano, basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning the green onions, then chop them finely. Wash the bell peppers and cut them into small cubes. Open the can of tuna and let it drain in a strainer to remove all the oil.

2. Mixing the composition
In a large bowl, add the chopped onions, diced bell peppers, and crumbled tuna. Add the chosen cheese (either feta or cottage cheese) and mix well. Add the beaten eggs, herbs, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula to homogenize the mixture.

3. Preparing the puff pastry
Take the pastry out of the freezer the night before and let it thaw. Roll it out on a clean surface and cut it into squares suitable for muffin tins (about 10 cm x 10 cm).

4. Placing in molds
Without needing to grease the molds, place the pastry squares in the muffin tins, leaving edges to form a small border. Fill each mold with the cheese and tuna mixture, being careful not to overfill.

5. Adding Parmesan
Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on top of each tart to add a touch of flavor and a golden appearance.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Place the trays in the oven and bake the mini tarts for about 30 minutes, or until they become golden and fluffy.

7. Cooling and serving
Once ready, remove the trays from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Then, remove the mini tarts from the molds and place them on a serving platter. You can decorate with diced colorful peppers, fresh parsley leaves, and slices of olives for an attractive look.

Serving suggestions

These mini tarts are excellent both warm and cold. You can serve them with a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce with dill, which will add a refreshing contrast. If you want to turn them into a complete meal, add a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade.

Nutritional benefits

These mini tarts are not only delicious but also nutritious. Tuna is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Cheese adds calcium, while vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals. Some may think they are a bit higher in calories due to the pastry, but the moderate portion makes them a good choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of fish?
Absolutely! You can substitute tuna with salmon or sardines, depending on your preferences.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
You can experiment with olives, zucchini, or even spinach, depending on your tastes.

3. Can I prepare these mini tarts in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead and assemble and bake them the following day.

4. How can I store them?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

5. Are they suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using tofu or vegan cheese, replacing the eggs with a mixture of chickpea flour and water.

Recipe variations

If you want to add a touch of originality, you can add some finely chopped green or black olives to the mixture. Additionally, replace the classic cheese with goat cheese for a more intense flavor.

These mini tarts with cheese and tuna are more than just an appetizer; they are a way to bring together the flavors and stories from your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!