Cheese tart with pine nuts

Cheese and Pine Nut Tart

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

Introduction

The cheese and pine nut tart is a delicious dessert that combines creamy textures with crunchy notes. This recipe has its roots in culinary tradition, often prepared for special occasions, but also to sweeten ordinary days. Whether you enjoy it at a festive meal or prepare it for a gathering with friends, the cheese tart will bring a smile to anyone's face. So let's get to work and create a culinary masterpiece together!

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 220 g flour
- 30 ml palm oil (or sunflower oil)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 45 g granulated sugar
- 10 g powdered brown sugar

*For the filling:*
- 1180 g sweet cottage cheese (make sure it is well-drained)
- 1 yolk from a large egg
- 2 small eggs
- 110 g sugar
- 50 ml lime syrup
- 1 teaspoon homemade vanilla extract (or store-bought)
- 200 g sour cream (drained)
- 6 heaping tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 heaping tablespoon powdered milk
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts (optional, toasted for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons semolina or flour to dust the base

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 190°C. This is an essential step as it ensures even baking of the tart.

2. Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, powdered brown sugar, and baking soda. Add the palm oil and lemon juice. Knead the ingredients until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. If you find the dough too soft, you can add a little extra flour. Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes. You can cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes, but this is not necessary.

3. Prepare the filling
In another bowl, mash the sweet cottage cheese together with the egg yolk, the two eggs, sugar, lime syrup, vanilla extract, sour cream, cornstarch, and powdered milk. Mix well until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. Add the pine nuts and mix with a spoon. If you want a stronger flavor, you can toast the pine nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes.

4. Assemble the tart
Roll out the dough on a floured surface until you get a thin layer. Transfer the dough to a removable-bottom tart pan (24 cm in diameter) greased with butter and dusted with flour. Make sure the dough evenly covers the edges. Prick the dough in several places with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Sprinkle semolina or flour on the base of the tart to absorb moisture.

5. Add the filling
Pour the cheese mixture into the prepared tart pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. This step is important to ensure even baking and a pleasant texture.

6. Bake the tart
Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. The tart is ready when it turns golden and firm to the touch.

7. Cooling and serving
After the tart has baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial as the tart will firm up as it cools. Once it has completely cooled, carefully transfer the tart to a serving plate and get ready to enjoy a special dessert.

Serving suggestions and variations

The cheese tart can be served plain or with a berry glaze for a delicious contrast. You can add a splash of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to enhance the tasting experience. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to achieve varied flavors. For example, ricotta cheese is an excellent choice for a fluffier texture.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of cheese tart contains approximately 350-400 calories, being a good source of protein due to the cheese. Pine nuts add healthy fats and vitamins, contributing to a dessert that is not only tasty but also nutritious.

Frequently asked questions

*Can I use another type of cheese?*
Yes, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta, but make sure they are well-drained to avoid a watery filling.

*How can I store the tart?*
The tart stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.

*Is this dessert suitable for vegans?*
This recipe is not vegan, but you can experiment with plant-based alternatives for cheese and eggs.

The cheese and pine nut tart is more than just a dessert; it is a love letter to authentic and traditional flavors. I encourage you to try it and bring a touch of flavor to every meal. Enjoy!