Mini Savory Tarts

Mini Savory Tarts with Onion and Kaiser Filling: Delicious and Quick Recipe

Get ready for a savory culinary adventure! These mini savory tarts are perfect for any occasion, whether served at a party, as an appetizer, or even as a delightful family snack. The crispy dough and rich filling of onion and kaiser combine in an irresistible way, bringing smiles to the faces of everyone who tastes them.

Preparation Time:
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 20 minutes
- Number of servings: 10 mini tarts

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 140 g butter (make sure it's at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 260 g flour (you can use white flour or a combination with whole wheat for a more rustic flavor)
- 1 egg (fresh is always the best choice)
- A pinch of salt (sea salt or fine salt, according to preference)
- 4 tablespoons milk (whole milk gives a richer texture)

*For the filling:*
- 1 onion (choose yellow onion for a sweet taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin oil adds an intense flavor)
- 200 g kaiser (or any other type of smoked meat you have on hand, such as pork belly)
- 2 tablespoons broth (you can use tomato broth or well-seasoned tomato sauce)
- A cup of water (to help cook the onion)
- Cheese (cottage cheese or cheese, depending on preference)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter with the flour and salt. Use a hand mixer or knead with your fingers until the mixture becomes sandy. Add the egg and milk, then mix until you get a smooth dough. Divide the dough into small balls, then wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This step will make the dough easier to roll out and will prevent puffing during baking.

2. Rolling out the dough:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a floured work surface, roll out each ball of dough to a thickness of about 3 mm. Use molds for savarins or mini-tart pans to shape them. Make sure the dough covers the walls of the mold.

3. Baking the mini tarts:
Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. In the meantime, you can prepare the filling.

4. Preparing the filling:
In a frying pan, add the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat. Cook until it becomes transparent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced kaiser and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. Add the broth and the cup of water, allowing the mixture to simmer on low heat until the liquid reduces and the flavors concentrate.

5. Assembling the tarts:
Once the mini tarts are baked, remove them from the oven and fill each tart with the onion and kaiser mixture. Grate cheese on top (cottage cheese for a milder flavor or cheese for a more intense taste).

6. Final baking:
Put the mini tarts back in the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes slightly golden.

7. Serving:
Let the tarts cool slightly before removing them from the molds. These mini tarts can be served warm, but they are just as delicious cold, making them ideal for picnic meals or snacks on a hot summer day.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:
These mini savory tarts can be served alongside a fresh green salad or with homemade mayonnaise flavored with herbs. You can also experiment with different fillings: add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or feta cheese for a vegetarian option.

Nutritional Information:
One serving (1 mini tart) contains approximately 200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. These tarts are a good source of protein from the kaiser and cheese, while the onion provides a healthy intake of fiber and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Sure! You can replace the kaiser with chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- How can I make the dough healthier? Try replacing some of the flour with whole wheat flour or adding flax seeds for an extra nutrient boost.
- Can I freeze the mini tarts? Yes, they can be frozen before baking. Freeze them on a tray, then transfer them to an airtight container. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

These mini savory tarts are not only a simple and quick recipe but also an excellent way to use leftover ingredients from the fridge. Experiment with different combinations, discover what you like best, and enjoy every bite!