Poppy seed and cheese pie

Poppy Seed and Cheese Tart - A Delicacy with a Flavor of Memories

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 50-55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn’t nostalgically remember high school days when a quick snack was a poppy seed croissant from the schoolyard kiosk? This poppy seed and cheese tart is a delicious reinterpretation of that familiar taste, combining the fine texture of cheese with the intense flavor of poppy seeds. Perfect for a weekend dessert or a festive meal, this recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor.

Ingredients

*For the crust:*
- 180 g all-purpose flour
- ½ packet of baking powder
- 50 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 50 ml milk

*For the poppy seed filling:*
- 100 g poppy seeds
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of soft butter
- 60 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 50 g flour
- ½ packet of baking powder

*For the cheese filling:*
- 200 g sweet cheese (preferably cow cheese)
- 100 g sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 60 g sugar
- Bourbon vanilla (or 1 packet of vanilla sugar)
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt

*For decoration:*
- Powdered sugar

Recipe History

The poppy seed and cheese tart is a traditional recipe that has been cherished over time, thanks to its unique combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Poppy seeds have been used since ancient times in various culinary dishes, not only having a delicious taste but also nutritional benefits. In a world where sweets are often overloaded with sugar, this tart revives the authentic taste, having a perfect balance between sweet and salty.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Crust
Start by preparing the crust. In a food processor, add all the ingredients except for the flour and baking powder. Blend everything until the mixture becomes smooth. This step is essential for achieving a fine and even crust.

Then add the flour mixed with baking powder and blend again. The resulting mixture will be slightly denser, but perfect for holding the filling.

2. Baking the Crust
Pour the mixture into a 24 cm round mold, preferably silicone to avoid sticking. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius and bake the crust for 20 minutes. Check if it’s done with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, it’s perfect!

3. Preparing the Poppy Seed Filling
Meanwhile, grind the poppy seeds in the food processor until they become fine, but not flour. Add the sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla sugar. Blend well until everything is homogeneous. Finally, incorporate the flour mixed with baking powder. This filling is rich and aromatic, reminiscent of childhood.

4. Preparing the Cheese Filling
In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and melted butter. Blend until you obtain a smooth mixture. Add the flour and baking powder, mixing gently to maintain aeration. Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy and carefully incorporate them into the cheese mixture for a fluffy texture.

5. Assembling the Tarts
After the crust has been baked, pour the poppy seed filling over it, leveling it with a spatula. Then, add the cheese filling, making sure to distribute it evenly.

6. Final Baking
Place the tart in the oven at 170 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes. Then, cover with aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes to avoid burning the top. Once it’s done, let it cool in its mold, then carefully remove it and dust it with powdered sugar.

Serving and Storing

Serve the tart chilled, perhaps with a scoop of sour cream or yogurt, to add a creamy contrast to its texture. It is delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but it’s so tasty that it will be hard to resist!

Nutritional Benefits

This tart is not only tasty but also nutritious. Poppy seeds are an excellent source of calcium, iron, and fiber, while cheese provides quality protein. When consumed in moderation, it can be a healthy and satisfying dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace the sweet cheese with something else?
Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone for a different texture and flavor.

2. What can I do with leftover filling?
The cheese filling can also be used for pancakes or cakes.

3. Is this tart suitable for vegans?
You can experiment with vegan alternatives for eggs and cheese, but the result will be different.

Possible Variations

To add a personal touch, you can replace sugar with honey or natural sweeteners. Also, adding some berries to the cheese filling can provide a burst of fresh flavor. If you are a chocolate lover, add some dark chocolate pieces to the poppy seed filling for a delicious contrast.

This poppy seed and cheese tart will surely become a staple in your recipe book, evoking pleasant memories and unforgettable moments. Enjoy!