Spinach tart with almonds

Spinach and Almond Tart

A culinary journey into the world of tarts! If you’ve ever wanted to surprise your friends or family with an elegant and delicious recipe, spinach and almond tart is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the creamy texture of the filling with a crispy crust, bringing a perfect balance of flavors and aromas. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure, where each step will reveal the secrets to an extraordinary result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 200 g of flour (plus 2 tablespoons for the working surface)
- 100 g of cold butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons of cold water
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 650-700 g of frozen spinach
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 1 medium onion
- 100 g of light sour cream (12%)
- 100 ml of heavy cream for whipping
- 3 eggs
- 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons of crushed almonds (preferably freshly ground)
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crust

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. It's important to use cold ingredients, so make sure the butter is straight from the fridge.

2. Add the butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour. Use your fingertips to incorporate it into the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.

3. Add the yolk: Add the egg yolk and cold water. Mix quickly until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to over-knead! The secret to a tender crust is to work quickly and avoid overheating the ingredients.

4. Rest the dough: Form the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

1. Preheat the oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

2. Prepare the onion and garlic: Finely chop the onion and garlic. This will add a delicious flavor to your filling.

3. Sauté the spinach: In a pan, add a little oil (or butter) and sauté the onion and garlic until they become translucent. Add the frozen spinach and cook until fully thawed. Afterwards, transfer the spinach to a colander and press it with a wooden spoon to remove excess water.

4. Mix the filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, eggs, grated Parmesan, crushed almonds, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add the sautéed spinach and mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 3: Assemble and bake

1. Roll out the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and sprinkle flour on the working surface. Roll out the dough into a thin sheet, then roll it onto a rolling pin and unroll it into the tart pan (24 cm diameter).

2. Prepare the tart crust: Prick the dough with a fork in several places. This will help prevent air bubbles from forming during baking. If desired, you can place a circle of parchment paper with beans on top to weigh down the dough.

3. Bake the crust: Place the tart pan in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes, until it is slightly set.

4. Add the filling: Remove the crust from the oven, brush it with egg white (this will act as a moisture barrier), and add the spinach mixture. Give it a gentle stir in the center to expose some spinach.

5. Decoration: Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of almonds on the edges for added texture and flavor.

6. Final baking: Bake the tart at 180 degrees Celsius for 40-45 minutes, until the filling is firm and the crust is golden.

Serving

Once you remove the tart from the oven, let it cool slightly before slicing. It can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with mint. It’s an ideal dish for a weekend lunch or an elegant dinner.

Practical tips

- Freshly ground almonds: It’s recommended to grind fresh almonds for a more intense flavor, but you can also use pre-ground almonds.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the filling, such as feta or brie, or add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare the tart in advance, you can freeze it before baking. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap.

Nutritional benefits

This spinach and almond tart is not only delicious but also healthy! Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like iron and calcium. Almonds add healthy fats and protein, making this dish a satisfying and nutritious choice.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach should be cleaned and sautéed briefly before adding it to the filling.

- How can I make the tart lower in calories?
You can reduce the amount of sour cream or use a low-fat alternative. Additionally, you can use a mix of whole wheat flour for the crust.

- What drinks pair well with this tart?
A dry white wine or a herbal tea would be excellent accompaniments to highlight the tart's flavors.

I encourage you to put your personal touch on this recipe by adding ingredients you love or experimenting with spices. Cooking is an art form, and every tart you make becomes a unique story. So, enjoy the process and bon appétit!