Zucchini and cheese tart

Zucchini and cheese tart – a savory delight that combines the sweetness of zucchini with the creaminess of cheese, all wrapped in a delicate pastry. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even as an appetizer at a party. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare this delicious tart, which is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6

The story of the zucchini and cheese tart

The tart, a versatile dish, is loved worldwide and has evolved over time, becoming a popular choice in both sweet and savory varieties. The zucchini and cheese tart is a perfect combination of textures and flavors, paying homage to fresh seasonal vegetables. This recipe can easily be adapted, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and spices, thus becoming a personalized choice for every meal.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 1 bell pepper (optional)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Spices (preferably a pizza mix containing marjoram, basil, oregano, thyme, and anise)
- 300 g sour cream
- 3 eggs
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- 5-6 slices of cheese (preferably good quality cheese)

Preparation instructions

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt and mix well.
2. Add the diced butter and rub it into the flour until you achieve a breadcrumb-like texture.
3. Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the egg and cold water. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth. It is important not to over-knead, as the dough may become tough.
4. Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes. This resting time will help achieve a delicate and easy-to-handle dough.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. Peel the zucchinis and slice them thinly. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to remove excess water. This step will prevent the tart from becoming too moist.
2. In a pan, sauté the chopped onion in a little oil or butter until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the drained zucchinis and the diced tomatoes. If using bell pepper, it can be added now, diced. Season with pepper and mix.
4. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until the tomato juice evaporates.

Step 3: Assembling the tart
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you achieve a sheet about 3 mm thick.
3. Place the sheet of dough in the tart pan (28 cm), previously greased with butter and flour, making sure to push it up the sides of the pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to avoid puffing during baking.
4. Cover the tart with baking paper and add beans or a weight to maintain its shape. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Finishing the tart
1. While the dough is baking, prepare the sauce: in a bowl, beat the 3 eggs with the sour cream, add the chopped parsley, pepper, and a pinch of salt.
2. After the tart has baked for 15 minutes, remove it from the oven and take off the baking paper with the beans. Evenly spread the cooked zucchini mixture over the bottom of the tart.
3. Pour the egg and sour cream sauce over the zucchini, then place the slices of cheese on top.
4. Bake the tart in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the sauce is set and a golden crust forms on top.

Step 5: Serving
1. Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing. It is excellent both warm and cold, making it perfect for picnics or summer meals.
2. You can serve the tart with a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful tips
- If you want to experiment, try adding other vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, to diversify the filling.
- The tart can also be prepared in advance, and the next day it is just as tasty! Keep it in the refrigerator and you can reheat it in the oven.
- For an even more intense flavor, add 100 g of feta cheese to the filling.

Nutritional information
This zucchini and cheese tart offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins thanks to the fresh vegetables. One serving contains approximately 300 kcal, making it a healthy and filling choice.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of cheese? Of course! Mozzarella, goat cheese, or cheddar can add a distinct flavor.
- Is the tart suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using tofu or plant-based sour cream and omit the eggs.
- Can I freeze the tart? Yes! The baked tart can be frozen, just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it well.

Enjoy this zucchini and cheese tart, a simple and delicious recipe that will surely become a family favorite! Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, savor every bite!