Ham and bell pepper tart

Ham and Bell Pepper Tart

In a world full of flavors and textures, the ham and bell pepper tart proves to be a perfect choice for any occasion. This dish is not only delicious but also adds a touch of elegance to your table. Whether you serve it at a brunch with friends or bring it to the forefront of a festive dinner, the tart will surely delight everyone's taste buds.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 250 g flour (approximately, may vary depending on humidity)
- 3/4 pack (approximately 180 g) of cold butter, diced
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 4 bell peppers (preferably of different colors for an attractive appearance)
- 200 g ham, diced
- 300 g cottage cheese
- 4 eggs
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of one lemon
- 1-2 tablespoons of mustard

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Sifting the flour is the first essential step in achieving a perfect dough. In a large bowl, sift the flour and add a pinch of salt. This will help to even out the ingredients and prevent lumps from forming. Then, add the cold butter, cut into cubes. Using your fingers, incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky texture.

Step 2: Forming the dough
Add the egg to the flour and butter mixture and knead gently until a homogeneous dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems not to bind well at first; continue kneading until you obtain a ball of dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step will allow the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll out later.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, take care of the filling. Cut the bell peppers into julienne strips and let’s sauté them! Heat a little oil in a pan and add the peppers. Sauté them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn. Then, add the diced ham and let the mixture cook for a few minutes so the flavors blend harmoniously.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the eggs, mustard, and lemon juice. This combination not only enriches the flavor but also gives the filling a creamy texture. Once you have a homogeneous mixture, add the bell pepper and ham mixture. Gently stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Assembling the tart
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a tart pan with butter or use parchment paper to facilitate the tart's release after baking. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and place it in the pan, making sure to spread it evenly on the bottom and sides. It is important for the dough to be even for it to bake uniformly.

Step 6: Baking
Evenly distribute the cheese, pepper, and ham mixture over the dough in the pan. With the remaining dough, you can create a decorative lattice on top — a lovely idea that adds a rustic and appealing look to the tart. Beat an egg and brush the lattice and edges of the tart to achieve a delicious golden color. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until well browned.

Step 7: Serving
Once the tart is baked, let it cool slightly before slicing. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh green salad for a crunchy contrast.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can add fresh herbs to the filling, such as dill or parsley.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or marinated tofu.
- If you enjoy more intense flavors, add some feta cheese or parmesan to the filling.

Nutritional information:
This ham and bell pepper tart is a good source of protein due to the eggs and cottage cheese, and vitamins from the peppers. Calories vary depending on the serving, but on average, one serving has about 320 calories, making it a reasonable choice for lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use cheddar cheese, goat cheese, or any other type you like.
2. Can the tart be frozen?
Yes, the tart can be frozen before baking. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
3. What can I serve with the tart?
I recommend serving it with a tomato and cucumber salad or with a yogurt sauce for an extra touch of freshness.

This ham and bell pepper tart is not just a simple recipe, but also a culinary experience that can be adapted and personalized according to your preferences. Enjoy making it and savor every bite!