Spinach tart

Spinach and cheese tart: A delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Welcome to our kitchen! Today I present you a recipe for spinach and cheese tart, a savory dish perfect for lunch or dinner, but can also be enjoyed cold as a snack. Spinach, a vegetable full of vitamins, harmoniously combines with the fine taste of cheese, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Let's start our culinary journey!

Recipe history

Over time, tarts have been a symbol of gastronomy, with ancient origins when people prepared them with seasonal ingredients. Tarts with various fillings have been cooked in different corners of the world, and today we enjoy their diversity. This spinach and cheese tart recipe has been adapted from culinary traditions that blend simplicity and refinement, becoming a popular dish in many households.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250-300 g whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil (you can use olive oil for a stronger flavor)
- 100 ml milk
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sugar

For the filling:
- 1 pack of frozen spinach (about 400 g)
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

For decoration:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 100 g grated cheese
- A few black olives
- Poppy seeds, for decoration

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the filling
1. In a pan, heat the 3-4 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the frozen spinach and sauté until all the water evaporates. This step is essential to avoid a soggy tart.
3. Add the chopped garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well.
2. In another container, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Add the egg and oil to the yeast mixture, then pour everything over the dry ingredients. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
4. Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a towel, for 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Assembling the tart
1. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius.
2. After the dough has risen, take a portion of it and roll it out on a floured surface to fit the size of the baking dish you will use. Make sure the dough covers the sides of the dish as well.
3. Spread the two tablespoons of tomato paste evenly on the base of the tart, then add the cooled spinach filling, leveling it well.
4. From the remaining dough, you can cut fun shapes or simply roll out another sheet to place on top of the filling.

Step 4: Baking
1. Brush the entire surface of the tart with the beaten egg to achieve a nicely browned crust.
2. Sprinkle the grated cheese, poppy seeds, and decorate with black olives.
3. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Helpful tips
- You can experiment with different types of cheese instead of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to add a different flavor note.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can add vegetables such as zucchini or peppers, which pair wonderfully with spinach.
- Serving is up to you; the tart is delicious both warm and cold, making it ideal for a picnic meal or a quick lunch.

Delicious combinations
This spinach and cheese tart pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a yogurt and garlic sauce. Additionally, a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade would perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional information
One serving of tart contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil and cheese used. Spinach is rich in nutrients, being an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes, fresh spinach is an excellent choice; make sure to sauté it well to remove excess water.
2. How can I store the tart? The tart keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
3. What other ingredients can I add? You can add green olives, sautéed onions, or even nuts for extra texture and flavor.

I hope you enjoy this wonderful spinach and cheese tart recipe. I wish you great cooking and bon appétit!