Spinach and blue cheese tart

Spinach and Blue Cheese Tart - a refined recipe, full of flavors, perfect for any occasion

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8

In a world where taste and health harmoniously intertwine, the spinach and blue cheese tart becomes the perfect choice. This recipe brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients, offering a dish that not only delights the taste buds but also enriches meals with color and texture.

Besides being a quick dish, this tart can be served as an appetizer or a main course. The history of the tart is lost in the mists of time, with deep roots in international gastronomy, where the dough and filling have evolved over centuries, arriving at the versions we know and love today.

The ingredients needed for the tart dough are common yet essential, while the combination of cheese and spinach for the filling is simply irresistible.

Ingredients for the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 1 egg
- 60 g cold butter
- a pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons of cold water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 kg fresh spinach
- 100 g sheep cheese
- 125 g blue cheese (like camembert)
- 150 g cottage cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch of green garlic
- 2 eggs
- 50 ml sour cream
- 100 g cherry tomatoes

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the dough. In a bowl, combine the flour with salt and baking powder. Add the cold butter cut into cubes and, using your fingers or a mixer, knead until you achieve a mixture with a texture similar to sand. Add the egg and cold water, mixing until the dough becomes homogeneous. Form a ball, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it helps the dough become easier to roll out and prevents it from shrinking during baking.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, wash the spinach well and remove the stems. Boil it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain well and chop finely. In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the sheep cheese, blue cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, sour cream, and chopped green garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This filling is rich in nutrients, with spinach being an excellent source of iron, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the cheese adds a note of creaminess and flavor.

Step 3: Assembling the tart
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Once the dough has cooled, roll it out on a floured surface until you achieve a thin sheet. Place it in a buttered baking dish, ensuring that all corners are well covered. Prick the dough with a fork in several places to prevent puffing. Cover it with baking paper and place beans or a similar weight on top. Bake the dough in the oven for 10 minutes. This step will ensure a crispy base for the tart.

Step 4: Final baking
After 10 minutes, remove the baking paper and beans, then carefully pour the spinach and cheese filling over the dough. Decorate the tart with halved cherry tomatoes, which will not only add color but also a hint of sweetness. Bake the tart in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until it is beautifully browned on top. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

Step 5: Serving
Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting. Served warm or at room temperature, this tart pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or a glass of dry white wine.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese. For example, feta or goat cheese can add a distinct flavor.
- If you don't have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before use.
- You can add some nuts or toasted seeds to the filling for extra texture and nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other vegetables instead of spinach? Absolutely! Broccoli or zucchini are excellent alternatives.
- How can I store the tart? You can keep the uneaten tart in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. It's delicious even cold!

This spinach and blue cheese tart is not just a simple recipe, but a culinary experience that brings joy to every meal. Don't hesitate to explore and personalize the recipe to your taste. Perhaps one day it will become your favorite recipe!