Sunflower Tart

Cheese and Spinach Tart – a delicious and healthy recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Are you dreaming of a tart that combines the flavor of cheese with the freshness of spinach? This cheese and spinach tart will not only delight your taste buds but also add a splash of color to your table. Its unique flower-like shape makes it perfect for serving on various occasions, and it's also a delicious way to get kids to enjoy their vegetables.

A bit of history
The tart is an ancient culinary dish used in various cultures to combine sweet or savory ingredients, all in a crispy crust. Over time, recipes have evolved, and filling combinations have diversified enormously. From meat fillings to those with cheese and vegetables, each recipe has its charm. This cheese and spinach tart is an excellent choice to add a touch of health to your meals.

Necessary ingredients
For the dough:
- 200 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 400 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 12 tablespoons cold water
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 400 g cottage cheese
- 200 g spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and well-drained)
- 1 egg + 1 egg white
- salt and pepper to taste
- a pinch of nutmeg (for extra flavor)

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk

Practical tips about ingredients
- Butter: Make sure the butter is soft so it can be easily incorporated into the dough. If you are short on time, you can cut it into small cubes and leave it at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Flour: Choose a good quality flour, preferably type 000, for a tender dough.
- Spinach: If using frozen spinach, ensure it is well-drained to avoid a soggy filling. Fresh spinach should be well washed and lightly cooked before use.
- Cottage cheese: You can also use feta or ricotta cheese for a different flavor.

Preparing the cheese and spinach tart
1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the soft butter, eggs, flour, cold water, and a pinch of salt. Knead everything by hand or with a food processor until you obtain a homogeneous dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
2. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for getting a flaky crust.
3. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the well-drained spinach. Add the beaten egg (keep the egg white for the filling), salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
4. Shaping the tart: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out the first part of the dough into a thin sheet. Use a round lid or a cutter to cut out a circle.
5. Placing in the pan: Place the dough in a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Add a few tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center of the dough and the rest around the edges.
6. Covering: Roll out the second sheet of dough and cut it out. Place it over the filling, making sure to leave a small space in the center to allow steam to escape. Use a cup or small bowl to create a round shape in the center of the tart.
7. Creating the petals: Using a cutter, cut the dough at the edge of the covering circle into the shape of flower petals. Twist each "petal" to expose the cheese and spinach filling.
8. Brushing: Beat the egg yolk with the two tablespoons of milk and brush the tart with the mixture. This will give a golden and appetizing color to the tart.
9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the tart for about 50 minutes, until well browned.

Possible variations
- Adding herbs: You can add fresh or dried herbs such as dill, oregano, or basil to the filling for extra flavor.
- Changing the cheese: Substitute cottage cheese with feta or mozzarella for a different texture.
- Additional vegetables: You can add zucchini or bell peppers to diversify the filling.

Serving and pairing suggestions
The cheese and spinach tart is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a fresh tomato salad with basil and olive oil, or with a garlic yogurt sauce, which will add a refreshing note. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement the delicate flavors of the cheese and spinach.

Nutritional benefits
This tart is an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. Spinach provides an important intake of iron, vitamins A, C, and K, and nutmeg has antioxidant properties. It is an ideal choice for a healthy and balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with various types of cheese, such as feta or ricotta.

2. How can I make the tart crunchier?
Make sure the dough is well kneaded and left in the refrigerator. Also, baking at a higher temperature can help achieve a crunchier crust.

3. Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, the tart can be frozen before baking. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn.

I hope you enjoy every bite of this cheese and spinach tart! It is a simple and versatile recipe, perfect for any occasion. Cook with love and don't forget to share the result with your loved ones!