Spinach mini tarts

Mini spinach tarts - a delicious and easy recipe

If you're looking for a simple yet refined recipe that will impress both friends and family, mini spinach tarts are the perfect choice. These tarts are not only tasty but also very versatile, suitable as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main dish alongside a fresh salad. Additionally, they are an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into your diet, and spinach, rich in nutrients, offers numerous health benefits.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 5 tarts

Ingredients for mini spinach tarts
- 180 g white flour
- 90 g butter (or a combination of 50 g butter and 40 g lard for a richer taste)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- A pinch of salt
- 150 g spinach (fresh or frozen, I used frozen)
- 50 g grated cheese
- 1 egg (plus 1 egg for brushing)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- Salt, pepper, or seasoning to taste

Step by step: How to prepare mini spinach tarts

Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Add the diced butter and, using your fingertips, quickly mix it with the flour until you achieve a sandy texture. This step is essential for obtaining a delicate and light dough. If you want to make your work easier, you can use a food processor to combine the ingredients.

Step 2: Add the water
Add the two tablespoons of cold water and continue to knead until the dough comes together. Don’t worry if it seems a bit sticky; that’s normal. Once you have a smooth dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step not only cools the dough but also gives it a better texture during baking.

Step 3: Prepare the filling
While the dough rests in the refrigerator, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the spinach with the egg, grated cheese, crushed garlic, and season with salt, pepper, or seasoning to taste. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mixture. This will prevent the filling from becoming too wet.

Step 4: Form the tarts
After 30 minutes, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3 mm. Use a cutter or a glass to cut out 10 circles from the dough, enough to cover the tart molds. Grease the molds with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Bake the crust
Place each circle of dough in the prepared molds, pressing gently to fit the bottom and sides. Then, place a few beans or a baking weight in each mold to prevent the dough from puffing up. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Fill and bake again
After 15 minutes, remove the molds from the oven and carefully remove the beans. Fill each mold with the spinach mixture, then place the dough tops on, gently pressing the edges to seal. Beat an egg and brush each tart to achieve a golden crust. Place them back in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Step 7: Serve
Once baked, let the tarts cool slightly before removing them from the molds. These mini spinach tarts are delicious warm, but they can also be served cold, making them perfect for picnics or parties. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with dill for a delightful contrast.

Helpful tips
- Ingredient variations: You can add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms or red peppers, for a more complex flavor. You can also replace the cheese with feta or ricotta.
- Tricks for perfect dough: If you want an even flakier dough, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream to the dough.
- Serving and pairings: These tarts pair wonderfully with a glass of white wine or a light cocktail, such as a mint mojito.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach is an excellent choice! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before use.

2. How can I store the tarts if there are leftovers?
These tarts store well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispness.

3. Can I freeze the tarts?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked tarts. Wrap them well and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

4. How can I make the tarts spicier?
If you like spicy food, try adding a bit of chili pepper or chili flakes to the filling for an extra kick.

These mini spinach tarts are an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you're preparing them for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, they are sure to be a treat that will leave everyone smiling. Enjoy and happy cooking!